How to let school know about your child's absence

Parents can inform school of their child’s absence by leaving a message on the school answer machine - (01302) 868387 or by sending a message on our Parentmail service. 
This should be done before 9.30am.

 

If no contact has been made by the 3rd day of absence then our Headteacher will make a visit to your home to check on the child’s welfare. The school will attempt to contact the parent/carer on the first day of any absence.

If your child has an appointment you must bring proof to the office so it can be attached to the child’s records, for proof of absence.

Why is it important for my child to attend school regularly?

Regular school attendance and good punctuality means your child can make the most of their education and this will improve their choices in adult life. It will also help them when they enter the world of work. School helps children and young people with their social skills, making and maintaining friendships, building confidence and self esteem. If your child does not attend school regularly it could affect their attainment grades in exams, tests and assignments because of missed work.

What are my responsibilities regarding my child’s school attendance?

As a parent/carer it is your responsibility to ensure that a child of compulsory school age attends school both regularly and punctually. The local authority has a duty to ensure that all parents/ carers fulfil this responsibility.

How can I help my child attend school regularly?

• Always talk to your child about school
• Take a positive interest in your child’s work including homework
• Keep in touch with school staff via dojo messages/phone calls or speaking with their teachers
• Always contact your child’s school on the first day of absence
• Attend parent’s evening and other school events

Term Time Leave/Irregular Absence

As a parent/carer you are strongly urged to avoid taking your child out of school during term time.  From September 2013 the Department of Education announced an amendment to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, removing the Head Teacher’s ability to authorise leave of absence for the purpose of a family holiday unless there are exceptional circumstances.

If you believe that there are exceptional circumstances that warrant the need to take your child out of school during term time, please complete the 'Leave of Absence' form which is available from the school office. Return your completed form to school, providing at least 10 school days notice, where circumstances allow. A letter will be sent to parent/carers in response to the application for leave, to confirm the school's decision.

If you take your child on holiday during term time, without the authorisation of the Head Teacher, the Head will make a request to the local authority to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice. 

There are important changes regarding penalty notices for school attendance, which will take effect on 19th August 2024.

Under the new National Framework for Penalty Notices (which is government-led, not initiated by the Academy or Trust), please note the following adjustments:

Per Parent/Per Child: Penalty notice fines will continue to be issued per parent, per child. For example, if three siblings are absent for term-time leave, each parent will receive three separate fines.

Reasons for Issuing Penalty Notices: Penalty notice fines will be issued for term-time leave of five or more consecutive days, as well as for ten sessions of unauthorised absence within a ten-week period.

First Offence: The first time a penalty notice is issued for a term-time holiday or irregular school attendance, the fine will be £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days of issuance, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.

Second Offence: If a second penalty notice is issued to the same parent for the same pupil within three years of the first notice, the fine will be £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days (with no reduced fee for early payment).

Third Offence: On the third occasion of an offence within three years, a penalty notice will not be issued. Instead, the case may proceed straight to parental prosecution under the Single Justice Procedure. If found guilty, the magistrates can impose a fine of up to £1000.

It is essential to adhere to these guidelines to ensure your child’s regular attendance at school. We appreciate your support in this matter and thank you for your attention to these changes.

 

What will happen if my child does not attend school regularly?

The school should contact you if they are concerned about your child’s attendance and a referral could be made to the Attendance & Pupil Welfare Service

A range of measures will be used to enforce attendance legislation where parents do not fulfil their duty to ensure that their children attend school regularly. These include:

Entry in to the Local Authority Enforcement Procedure which may lead to prosecution in the Magistrates Court and each parent may receive a Parenting Order, a Community Punishment or a fine up to £2500.

Each parent can be issued with an Education Penalty Notice for Unauthorised Absence, Non- Cooperation with an Education Welfare Officer or for taking an Unauthorised Holiday in Term time.

Remember school gives your child a wide range of opportunities and experiences both academic and social allowing them to develop their interests and achieve their full potential.

Can I get help if my child is not attending school regularly?

You should always contact the school first to discuss your concerns. They should be able to offer support and advice. If school staff are unable to resolve the issues they may suggest you contact the Attendance & Pupil Welfare Service for advice and guidance.