Reporting Absence
Understanding types of absence:
Authorised absences are mornings or afternoons away from school for a good reason such as illness, medical appointments and emergencies.
An absence is classified as Unauthorised, if the reason is not recognised as acceptable. The Department for Education (DfE) and Local Education Authorities provide information for schools as what is acceptable and what is not. Families with regular unauthorised absence will be monitored by an Education Welfare Officer/Inclusion Officer.
Examples of reasons that would not be accepted:
- A birthday.
- A shopping trip/Day trips.
- Brother or sister is ill so all children in the family stay off school.
- Not having uniform ready to wear or can’t find shoes/coat etc
- Holidays – unless have been agreed as exceptional circumstances (see Exceptional Leave Tab for further information).
Let school know if your child is going to be absent:
If your child has a medical appointment or is considered too ill to attend school due to a minor illness you must:
| - Contact the School Office (01254 698413) between 8.00am and no later than 9:00am, informing them of the reason for your child’s absence and how long you expect them to be absent. If you call before 8:00 am there is a voicemail facility whereby you can leave your child's name, class and reason for absence. |
| - Every ½ day absence from school, by law, has to be classified as either authorised or unauthorised. This is why information about the cause of absence is always asked for. We will also ask for proof of medical appointments i.e. medical appointment card, medical note from the doctor or proof of prescription. |
| - If your child's attendance is below 92% then it would be routine for our attendance team to meet with families, and put in place an individual attendance plan with the aim to improve attendance in a supportive way. |
If you are unsure whether to keep your child off school, please talk to the School Office for advice. Or you can visit the NHS Website links below.
