sCHOOL aBSENCE pROCEDURE
The Department of Education requires schools to maintain records of pupils who have absences from school.Our home school agreement stipulates that parents/carers must ensure the regular attendance of pupils in school. Reasons for absence must be reported directly to school by phone on the attendance line (press 1) or Studybugs and not via transport assistants on school transport
- Absence for medical appointments should be evidenced by an appointment letter in advance.
- . Pupils will be registered as late if not in school by 9.30AM unless a valid reason is provided.
- Pupils finish school at 3.15PM and should not leave earlier unless a valid reason has been supplied or where specific pick-up and drop-off arrangements are in place to meet the needs of the pupil.
- If a pupil is absent and the school has not been provided with a reason we will contact parents/carers by phone. If we are unable to reach a parent or carer directly we will make contact via the emergency numbers provided.
-
-
If the pupil is missing from school on the second day with no contact with parents/carers or emergency contacts then school will make a home visit.
- If there has been no response to any contact on the third day, the school will contact social care if the pupil is open to services and contact Police.
- Absence with no contact then becomes a safeguarding concern and we have a Duty of Care to ensure our pupils are safe.
- Request for an absence for reasons other than illness should be made, in writing, as far in advance as possible directly to the Attendance officer.
- Changes in regulation by the Government means that schools cannot sanction holidays in term time.
The Head teacher recognises that there will be special circumstances where leave may be requested and will evaluate requests on an individual basis. However, we stress that regular attendance at school is even more important for our pupils given their learning needs and we would wish to see pupils achieving to the best of their ability full attendance.
Cathy Attendance Officer
