Attendance at school
Introduction
The law states that all children must receive a full time education between the ages of five and sixteen.
One of the most important things you can do for your child is to make sure they attend school regularly, as the more school work they miss the harder it will be to catch up and the less they may want to try. Also the longer they are away the harder it may be for them to fit back into school life and form friendships.
If you do have to keep your child off school, please remember it is only the Headteacher who can authorise your child's absence…. even when you contact school, bring a note or fill in a holiday form.
What absences can the Headteacher authorise?
These reasons for being absent from school are acceptable:
- My child is too ill to leave the house.
- My child has a hospital appointment.
- My child has toothache and has an emergency appointment.
- Day of religious observance.
These reasons for keeping your child away from school are not acceptable:
- To mind the house.
- To look after brothers and sisters.
- To go shopping.
- To celebrate a birthday.
- Sleeping in.
- One child is ill, so all are kept off.
- Minor ailments such as tummy ache or headache.
- Because it is the end of the week or the term.
What about holidays?
In very special circumstances an unavoidable family holiday in term time may be authorised if your child has a good attendance record. The Children's Services Authority has issued a Policy Statement on Term Time Leave. However, holidays in school time mean lost learning and can create problems later.
Remember...
You should :
- Always telephone school on the first day of absence.
- Never keep your child off to avoid arriving late but remember lateness can damage your child's education almost as much as absence and is an offence which may be prosecuted in court.
- Never keep your child off school because they are finding school work or relationships difficult or are being bullied. Don't keep them off – tell the school!
For more advice on attendance at school contact Attendance and Inclusion on 0114 2735701
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