Absence Procedures

Absence due to illness

• If your child is ill and is unable to come to school, then this will be recorded as an authorised absence.
• If your child is unable to attend school, then you must contact the school as soon as possible on the first day of absence (either via phone, email or in person) explaining the reasons for absence;

• You are required to contact the school every day your child is absent as we have a duty of care to know where your child is if they are not at school. 
• The school has a legal duty to report the absence of any pupils who are absent without an explanation for 10 consecutive days. If the child is not seen and contact has not been established with the named parent/carer then the Local Authority is notified that the child is ‘at risk of missing’.
• If a child misses 10% (2 weeks/10 days/ 20 sessions) or more schooling across the school year for whatever reason they are defined as persistent absentees (PAs). Where this absence is authorised the school will reserve the right to unauthorise all further absences unless the parent/carer provides medical documentation for each absence.
• Parents are encouraged to avoid taking children out of school for non-urgent medical or dental appointments.
• The school reserves the right to challenge absences due to illness and unauthorise if necessary.  Medical evidence may be requested if the school has any concerns.