Absence

Reporting an Absence - First Contact

First contact is operated for all pupils.

“First Contact” enables us to quickly determine that a pupil who is absent is genuinely ill and safely at home.  In the past, we could not be sure of this until an absence note was supplied on the pupil’s return.

It is also true that some pupils will consciously stay away from school without a medical reason.  We need to know when this is happening because a pattern of truancy is easily established and often hard to break, now and in later life.

If you know in advance that your child will be away, then we ask you to write in a note explaining the intended absence.

• If your child arrives in school after registration, they will need to sign in at the school office.
• If your child is ill, you are asked to contact school on 01993 868314 by 8.00am on the morning of the day of absence.  You are asked to do this every morning after that unless you have informed us in writing in advance.

If we do not receive a call and your child does not arrive in school, we will call you to let you know. If you are unable to answer, we will contact each of your child’s contact that we have on record.  It is therefore vital that we have accurate contact numbers.

Holidays in Term Time

• New regulations came into force on 1^st September 2013 stating that Headteachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.  Headteachers will determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.

Absence in Term Time (non-medical)

If you wish to request absence in term time for your child, please fill in and return the form below, or contact the school office for a paper copy.  Completed application forms should be sent to the school office 4 weeks in advance of the absence requested.  Application forms should also be completed for compassionate leave requests and as much notice as possible is requested.