Attendance

Attendance is important

Every child is legally obliged to be in full time education.  There are occasions when children are genuinely ill, or require a medical appointment.  We ask that parents and carers provide an appointment card or doctors note for any planned appointments or illness.  If a child is to be excused from any activity we ask that parents provide an explanation in writing.

It is a legal requirement that parents inform the academy of the reasons for a child's absence.  Parents can send a note addressed to the class teacher or attendance officer, telephone our attendance line on 01283 563811 or visit our main office in person.  If no reason is given for not attending, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Unauthorised absences count as truancy and parents may be visited by our colleagues to see if we can provide any help to ensure that your child is receiving their entitlement.

If you intend to collect your child during the school day to attend a medical appointment we ask that you provide a copy of the appointment letter.  Please note that we will be unable to release children for other reasons.

We want our parents and carers to help support our children by making sure that whenever possible their child arrives on time and attends every day.  Following guidelines from the Department of Education we are required to keep a register of children who are late, if this is observed to be persistent then the parents will be written to and where necessary parents may be referred to Social Services.

Holidays or Leave of Absences During Term Time

Holidays or any kind of leave of absence will be unauthorised during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Exceptional circumstances include:

1. Service personnel returning from a tour of duty abroad where it is evidenced the individual will not be in receipt of any leave in the near future that coincides with school holidays.

2. Where an absence from school is recommended by a health professional as part of a parent or child's rehabilitation from a medical or emotional issues.

3. The death or terminal illness of a person close to the family.

4. To attend a funeral of a person close to the family.

There are exceptional and unforeseen circumstances that fall outside of 1 to 4 above, the Head teacher agrees to consult with the Management Board of the school to arrive at a decision.

Please note: Evidence would be required in each case.

If you believe that the leave of absence you are requesting for you child meets the above criteria, then please complete a 'Leave of absence' request form where it will be considered by the Head teacher and Management Board.  Nearly all leave of absence requests are rejected and then the absence will be classed as unauthorised and recorded on your child's school file, a penalty notice could be issued of a fine of £60 per child per parent per week and your child could lose their school place!

Please do not risk any of these and take your child out of school during term time.  When they are here,  they can learn!