How to report an absence
Understanding types of absence:
Authorised absences are mornings or afternoons away from school for a good reason such as illness, medical appointments and emergencies.
An absence is classified as Unauthorised, if the reason is not recognised as acceptable. The Department for Education (DfE) and Local Education Authorities provide information for schools as what is acceptable and what is not. Families with regular unauthorised absence will be monitored by an Inclusion Officer.
Examples of reasons that would not be accepted:
- A birthday.
- A shopping trip/Day trips.
- Brother or sister is ill so all children in the family stay off school.
- Appointments for Parents
- Not having uniform ready to wear or can’t find shoes/coat etc
- Holidays – unless have been agreed as exceptional circumstances.
Let school know if your child is going to be absent:
If your child has a medical appointment or is considered too ill to attend school due to a minor illness you must:
- Contact the School Office (01254 296400) between 8.00am and no later than 9:15am, informing them of the reason for your child’s absence and how long you expect them to be absent. There is a voicemail facility whereby you can leave your child's name, class and reason for absence. |
- We will always ask for proof of medical appointments i.e. medical appointment card/ text message. The reason staff will ask for proof is due to every session (½ day) absence from school, by law, has to be classified as either authorised or unauthorised. |
- If your child's attendance is below 92% then it would be routine for our attendance team to communicate this to you via letter, and support would then be offered to help improve individual attendance. |
If you are unsure whether to keep your child off school, please talk to the School Office for advice. Or you can visit the NHS Website links below.