At Marden Primary Academy, we have high expectations for the attendance of our pupils. This is because we recognise that all absence is potentially detrimental to a child’s education. Missing school can damage children’s achievements, disrupt the school’s routines and affect other children’s learning. It can also leave children at risk of anti-social behaviour and youth crime. Above all, missing out on the opportunities provided in school can have a long-term effect on children’s chances in life.

In order for young people to gain maximum benefit from their time at school, and to maximise future life opportunities, it is imperative that young people attend every day, all day.

Fortnightly meetings will take place between the Principal, Inclusion Lead and Office Manager to identify those children at risk of persistent absence or other families requiring support in regards to attendance. Where necessary meetings will be held between the Inclusion Lead, Office Manager and parents/carers to identify barriers to attendance and to ensure their engagement with both school and any other external support if needed.

If attendance for these families does not improve, we will involve the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) from Kent County Council who will then join the meetings or will visit families at home.

A further step will then take place if necessary, between the academy, parents and with a Governor Panel, to reinforce the seriousness of persistent absence.

A polite reminder that the school day start at 8:45 and ends at 3:00. The school gates open at 8:30 and we expect all children to be on the school site, ready to learn by 8:45 at the latest. This is being monitored daily. Remember - Every second counts.

Miss Sime and I have be blown away with how well you have settled into life at Marden Primary Academy. You have all shown bravery, resilience, motivation and CARE for your new friends. We are very proud of you all!

Well done Ella for your enthusiasm in maths this week (we made a multilink staircase to 10). It was lovely to see you independently getting on with the task and helping your friends if they were stuck.

What a superb week Lenny has had. He has been eager and ready to learn everyday and has been doing fantastic listening in lessons - Well done Lenny!

Amelia has really impressed us this week with how she has adapted to her new class at Marden. She has been full of confidence in her approach to learning and has been kind and respectful to the adults and children. A great start Amelia, well done!

We are proud of how Sammy has started his new school life at Marden. He has made friends quickly and has demonstrated that he knows, and can follow, the school rules. Keep up the great work Sammy!

Great example setting during every moment of the school day Damian. You are always working hard, always polite and always doing everything that is expected of you- keep up the great work!

You have been so enthusiastic with everything we have done Lily. You are always willing to answer questions, give things a go and always have such lovely manners- well done!

We have begun to explore our class book, Journey to the River Sea. James has shown a great interest in the Amazon and the creatures that can be found there. He has been able to research and share some interesting facts. This has allowed us to understand what the main character will be experiencing. Well done James.

We have been landed with the mission of bringing the vegetable garden back to life. We have been busy researching what we can grow. Franek has shown great knowledge in this area and presented the class with key information on how to care for plants to ensure growth. Well done Franek.

This week we have explored the book, 'The Dot' and the children have been linking this to some of the learner attributes they will be trying to show this year. Emily showed she was a risk-taker, approaching our pointillism art work confidently and giving it her best - I think you'll agree that the outcome is great!

This week we have explored the book, 'The Dot' and the children have been linking this to some of the learner attributes they will be trying to show this year. Jasper approached the pointillism art work with an open mind and showed he was willing to take a risk and try something new, culminating in a brilliant final piece.

Shane has been working hard since coming back from the holidays and has been a great friend to those in need! He has been looking out for others and supporting them. Keep it up Shane!

Yasmine has come to school and has been working above and beyond in every lesson. She is always proactive and ready to learn! Well done Yas!

Kelly-Marie has been a great risk-taker this week, challenging herself in her learning - particularly in maths. She has shown a great understanding of place value, ensuring she has demonstrated her strong understanding by reaching the problem solving tasks on a daily basis. Keep it up, Kelly!

Bill has shown great caring qualities this week. Not only is he very inclusive in his play at break and lunch times, he has shown great emotional intelligence when discussing our class text, Pig Heart Boy. He has considered why characters may think and feel the way they do based on evidence from the text. Great effort, Bill!