Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance Policy

The Education regulations state that applications for leave must be made in advance by a parent with whom the child lives and can only be authorised by the school in exceptional circumstances.

Each application is considered individually by the school. 

An application form can be collected from the school office or downloaded here

The following are examples of the criteria for leave of absence, which may be considered as ‘exceptional’:

• Service personnel returning from active deployment.
• Where complete inflexibility of the parents’ leave or working arrangement is part of the organisation’s policy. Evidence must be provided.
• Where leave is recommended as part of a parent’s or child’s rehabilitation from medical or emotional problems. Evidence must be provided.
• When a family needs to spend time together to support each other during or after a crisis.

Please note: Headteachers would not be expected to class any term time holiday as exceptional  

This is not an exhaustive list and Headteachers must consider the individual circumstances of each case when making a decision on this matter. Where a Headteacher feels that there may be exceptional circumstances which do not fit the criteria, they may refer to the local authority for advice. The decision of the Headteacher is final. Parents who take a child on leave in term time without the permission of the school, risk being issued with a penalty notice fine for unauthorised absences.  

Taking a pupil on leave during term time interrupts teaching and learning and can disrupt educational progress. Before completing this application form, parent/carers are asked to consider the effect on their child’s continuity of education. 

Is my child too ill for school?

It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school when they're unwell.

If you do keep your child at home, it's important to phone school on the first day. Please let us know that your child won't be in and give the reason.

If your child is well enough to come into school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, please call the school office to let us know before your child comes into school.