For pupils to gain the greatest benefit from their education it is vital that they attend school regularly, on time, every day the school is open unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. It is very important that parents and school work together to support attendance.

Any absence affects the pattern of a child’s schooling and regular absence will seriously affect their learning. Ensuring a child’s regular attendance at school is the parents’ legal responsibility and permitting absence from school without a good reason creates an offence in law and may result in prosecution.

Every half-day absence from school has to be classified by the school (not by the parents), as either AUTHORISED or UNAUTHORISED. This is why information about the cause of any absence is always required, preferably in writing.
 

• AUTHORISED absences are mornings or afternoons away from school for a good reason like illness, medical/dental appointments which unavoidably fall in school time, emergencies or other unavoidable cause.

 

• UNAUTHORISED absences are those which the school does not consider reasonable and for which no “leave" has been given. This type of absence can lead to the Authority using sanctions and/or legal proceedings.

Whilst any child may be off school because they are ill, sometimes they can be reluctant to attend school. Any problems with regular attendance are best sorted out between the school, the parents and the child. If a child is reluctant to attend, it is never better to cover up their absence or to give in to pressure to excuse them from attending.
 

Absence Procedures

 

If a child is absent parents must:-

• Contact school as soon as possible on the first day of absence Or

• parents can call into school and report to reception, who will arrange for a member of staff to speak with them

If a child is absent school will:-

• Telephone parents on the first day of absence if school have not heard from them

• Invite parents in to discuss the situation with the Headteacher if absences persist

For more information on how we manage persistent lateness or holidays in term time please see the school's Attendance Policy.
 

Telephone Numbers

 

Please report pupil absences by phoning the school on 0300 4569521.
There are times when we need to contact parents about lots of things, including absence. Parents should ensure that school are informed of any new contact details.

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Additional Information

 

The following document outlines the incubation period and exclusion period from school for some infectious diseases, skin conditions and minor ailments. Please contact the school if you are unsure.

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Holidays in Term Time

All applications for leave must be made in advance and are at the discretion of the Headteacher. In making a decision, the school will consider the circumstances of each application individually, including any previous pattern of leave in term time. Any period of leave taken without the agreement of the school, or in excess of that agreed, will be classed as unauthorised and may attract sanctions such as a Penalty Notice.

Full details of the school’s policy and procedures are available from the school.

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