Please contact the school office to make a request.
Authorised and Unauthorised Absence. What is the difference?
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 pupils fails to attend or arrive late they can be marked as absent 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
Where a pupil is absent due to sickness and is genuinely unable to attend school, then the school, after being informed, may authorise a child's absence.
It is important that you phone or send a message by ParentMail if your child is going to absent at the start of the day. You will receive a phone call from the office if you do not inform us as it is our duty to ensure your child is safe. If we cannot make contact with you then you may receive a home visit from a member of staff.
In law, only the Headteacher can authorise a pupil's absence and may require additional evidence such as a letter from your GP or other medical proof particularly if your child's attendance is already a concern and below 95%.
Unauthorised Absence
The law states that parents or carers must ensure that their child regularly attends the school where they are registered. Should your child fail to attend school regularly legal action may be taken against you.
It is a parent's legal responsibility to ensure that their child, when of statutory school age, accesses education appropriate to age, needs and ability.
Under the terms of the education related provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, each parent/carer(s) may be issued with a penalty notice of £60 if:
Examples of unauthorised absence may be if your child does not attend because of:
In line with our policy, we will only grant leave of absence for exceptional circumstances. A holiday or travelling abroad is not exceptional.
There are 38 weeks in a year when school is open and 14 weeks when families can visit family overseas; go on holiday; travel or attend non urgent medical appointments. So before you ask for leave of absence please consider... is your request for leave of absence exceptional?
What happens if my chid is late
Registration finshes at 9.05 in the morning and 1.20pm in the afternoon.
If your child arrives between 8.50am and 9.05am they must enter the school through the front office, as their class will have already left the playground and the gates will be locked, they will be marked as late and must signed in the late book.
If your child arrvies after 9.05 am they will be marked as absent am, this absence will be unauthorised and if a persistent pattern emerges the school will refer the issue to the Educational Welfare officer.