Attendance and requests for absence

For many months now, all children have been required to attend school normally. As we have recently received almost unprecedented numbers of requests for absence during term time, we feel that now is an opportune time to remind parents and carers that our expectation is that all children attend school unless there is a valid reason not to do so (for example illness or isolation due to exposure to Covid19). Our Request for Absence During Term Time Form allows parents and carers to request absence from school at times outside of school holidays and to allow us to consider your request properly, it asks for full details of the reason for absence and any supporting documents to support the request. 

As a reminder to parents and carers, the process for considering absence in term time requests has not really changed, although understandably, more flexibility has been allowable during the COVID-19 crisis. We continue to begin from the starting point of 'no holidays/absence are allowed during term time' but in exceptional circumstances (as explained on the form) we may be able to approve some or all of the absence. We will always be fair, impartial and where possible, compassionate in our decision-making.

Depending upon factors such as the number (and timing) of previous and current requests received, general attendance percentage in school, and the reasons for unauthorised absence, can result in a fine being imposed by the local authority  In extreme cases, the local authority may even prosecute parents. Furthermore, absences from school of 21 school days can result in the removal of a child from our roll and that place being offered to another child on the waiting list. This would be a very distressing experience for the child concerned and is something we would wish to avoid. Support from various sources is available (for example the School Nurse where most absences relate to medical issues) and this will always be offered when absence becomes a concern for school.

Parents and carers and urged to continue to complete the above form, even in circumstances where the request is likely to be declined as this allows us to mark the register in advance and reduces the number of safeguarding alerts issued to the local authority.

In order to avoid or reduce the likelihood of fines, loss of places at school and even prosecution, please ensure that holidays and other absences are taken during non term time periods. Should you insist on booking absences during term times, please try wherever possible to add on days of absence either side of a school holiday to reduce the impact on your child(ren)'s education. We adopt a staged approach to absence and anyone who has received an absence letter will continue to be monitored closely. If no improvement is seen, then they also risk an EPN or even prosecution.

If you wish to discuss a possible absence, please contact the school office in the first instance.

Thank you.