Absence from School is now divided into two kinds: authorised and unauthorised. The government is very concerned about the level of unauthorised absence, and each School must now publish statistics showing the level of unauthorised absence.
When your child is unexpectedly away from School, it is helpful if you can telephone on the first morning to let the School know. However, it is important that you always provide a note to explain the absence when your child returns to School. Without a note to record an explanation there is no alternative but to regard an absence as unauthorised.
If your child has a medical or dental appointment please inform the teacher well in advance, especially if it is an early morning appointment and you wish to book a midday meal for that day. If the appointment takes place during the day, it is best if you (or a nominated person of the family) collect your child from the School. For safety reasons we do not let children out of School unaccompanied. The person collecting the child should report to the School office
Our full attendance policy can be found on the Policies page of our website
Holidays
As from September 2013, Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence in term time unless there are very exceptional circumstances.
Family holidays are not regarded as exceptional circumstances, therefore any absence taken for holidays will be subject to a fixed penalty notice. From September 2013, fines will be as follows:
£60 per child imposed to each parent if paid within 21 days.
£120 per child imposed to each parent if paid within 28 days.