Attendance

All parents of children of compulsory school age are under a legal duty to send their children to school regularly and risk prosecution if they fail in this duty.

It is essential for the continuity, development and progression of our children’s education that they attend regularly and punctually. If your child has been absent, it is important that you telephone the school office before 9.00am on the first morning of absence to inform us of the reason for the absence. This should then be followed up by a letter to school upon your child’s return. When no explanations for children’s absences are received, the school must record them as “unauthorised absence” and the Local Authority is informed.

Authorised absence is recorded when the parent gives an acceptable explanation of the absence to the school. Please provide documentation for photocopying if children have appointments.

Valid reasons for absence are:

Illness
Attendance at medical appointments
Attendance at dental appointments
Attendance at therapy sessions
Religious or faith observances

It is helpful if we know in advance about any medical appointments necessitating absence for part or all of the school day. Children should be collected for such appointments only by a parent or other adult known to the school and should always be returned to the school office.