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 a pupils fails to attend or arrives late they can be marked
as an absence 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 the school or come into the office if your
child is going to be 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 a 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 parent/carer(s) 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:
- You fail to ensure that your child attends school regularly
- You allow your child to take leave of absence in term time without a school’s authorisation
- You fail to return your child to school on an agreed date after a leave of absence
- Your child persistently arrives late for school after the register is closed
Examples of unauthorised Absence may be if your child does not attend because of:
- Going on holiday or travelling abroad
- Days off for birthdays, shopping trips
- Feeling tired
- Bad weather
- Non urgent appointment
- Parent unwell to bring them to school
- Birthday
As
the Headteacher I will only grant a leave of absence for exceptional
circumstances. A holiday or traveling abroad is not exceptional.
There
are 38 weeks in the year when school is open and 14 weeks (175 DAYS)
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?
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