The higher a pupil’s attendance, the more they are likely to learn, and the better they are likely to perform in exams and formal assessments.  

What if my child needs to miss school?

Parents and carers have a legal responsibility  to ensure your child attends school regularly.  Persistent unauthorised absence could lead to court action, including fines.  

There are only a small number of circumstances where missing a school day is permitted. Your child must attend every day that the school is open, unless: 

• Your child is too ill to attend - please refer to our 'my child is unwell' document for more information on whether your child can attend school

• You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on a specific day due to exceptional circumstances. 

• Your child cannot go to school on a specific day because they are observing a religious event. 

What counts as an exceptional circumstance?

Principals are responsible for deciding what counts as an exceptional circumstance when it comes to a child missing school.  They will look at each application individually, considering the specific facts and background context.  If a leave of absence is granted, the school will decide how long the pupil can be away from school.  Holidays are very rarely an acceptable reason for a school absence and are unlikely to be treated as an exceptional circumstance.  

We know that children having good attendance and punctuality has a direct impact on progress in school.  Children who attend frequently are far more likely to achieve academic success than those with poor attendance who tend to fall behind in their learning.

Please can we remind all parents/carers that if your child is going to be absent from school that you use the Brookfield Absence Form (instead of leaving a message on the answerphone). 

We know that illness is unavoidable and to be expected. Knowing whether pupils are going to be absent from school and the reasons for any absences is an important safeguarding issue for the school.

It is therefore, vitally important that if your child is not going to be in school that you complete our the form by 9:00 am.

Please note that you ONLY need to complete the form if your child is off school you do not need to call and leave a message.

If for any reason you are unable to access the form then please either call the school and leave a message on the school absence line on 020 8644 8616 opt 1 (you do not need to speak to a member of the office staff) or email the office on: bfoffice@leoacademytrust.co.uk.

Please note that if your child is unwell for 5 or more days, medical evidence may be requested.

Please refer to our 'my child is unwell' document for more information on when your child should return to school.

Approval for leave must be applied for BEFORE organising any travel plans.  Leave will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.  

Please fill in the form: Special Leave Request Form