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.  

Data from 2019 shows that 84% of Key Stage 2 pupils who had 100% attendance achieved the expected standard, compared to 40% of pupils who were persistently absent across the key stage. 

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?

The Principal is 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 West Ashtead Absence Form. 

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 9:00am.

Please note that you ONLY need to complete the form if your child is off school, you do not also 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 01372 272082 (you do not need to speak to a member of the office staff) or email: absence@west-ashtead.surrey.sch.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.

There are 5 simple steps parents can take to reduce infections spreading in the community:

1. Teach good hygiene habits - Regularly wash hands in soap and warm water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser. Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, bin it and then wash hands. 

2. Stop the spread of stomach bugs - If you or your child have diarrhoea and vomiting, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. You should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

3. Spot the signs of when to keep your child at home - If your child has a fever and is unwell, they should stay home from school or nursery until the fever has passed and they are well enough to attend.

If your child has diarrhoea and/or vomiting, they should stay off school or nursery for at least 48 hours after their symptoms clear up – this will help stop the spread of stomach bugs.

If you suspect your child has scarlet fever, contact your local GP and if your child has chickenpox, keep them off school until all the spots have crusted over.

4. Get vaccinated - Flu vaccines can be booked through your GP or local pharmacy. You can take a look at the childhood vaccination schedule to make sure your child is up to date with all their vaccinations.

5. Use NHS resources - NHS UK provides easily accessible guidance for parents to help manage winter illness at home.

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

Please email waoffice@leoacademytrust.co.uk with your leave request.