School Absence

Evidence shows that extended holidays during term time have a very bad effect on children's progress.  In many cases children do not catch up with their classmates after returning.

Please book any medical appointments out of school hours. If this is not at all possible and your child must attend a medical appointment in school time, please provide evidence and phone us on 01282 615772 to inform us prior to the appointment. 

Lateness, Authorised and Unauthorised absence at school

Lateness

Every school, by law, has to register pupils twice a day; first thing in the morning at the start of the school day, and again in the afternoon session. If a pupil fails to attend or arrives late they can be marked as an absence for that session.

If a pupil of compulsory school age is absent, the register must show whether the absence was authorised (acceptable) or unauthorised (where no acceptable reason is given for absence). Only the school can approve the reason for absence.           

Authorised absence from school

Where a pupil is genuinely unable to attend school, maybe because they are absent due to sickness, then the school, after being informed, can authorise a child’s absence. It is important to keep the school informed if your child is going to be absent at the start of the day. Please phone the school office on 01282 615772 before 9am to report your child as absent. 

Unauthorised absence

It is a parent’s legal responsibility to ensure that their child, when of statutory school age, access education appropriate to age, needs and ability.

Where a school has no record of the reason for absence or where a school refuses to authorise absence, for example for a holiday in term time, a parent may be breaking the law.

Going to school is important for a child’s future. Children who miss school frequently fall behind with their work and achieve lower grades in their exams.

Irregular school attendance and poor punctuality may lead a young person to be at risk of being drawn into criminal or anti-social activity, reduce their chances for economic well being and work, be at risk in the community and increase the chance of parents or carers being prosecuted.

Having concerns

If you are concerned about any of the above information then please contact the school for more information. Local Authorities may give penalties for unauthorised absences. See the enclosed penalty notice document for more information.