Child Absence

It is very important that your child attends school regularly. Regular attendance and good timekeeping are essential life skills. Attending school regularly also ensures your child is taught the full programmes of learning in each year group, which then gives each child the opportunity to achieve their true potential.

Please read our Attendance Policy carefully.

Although there is no right to any absence from school during term time, the merits of each individual request will be evaluated by providing answers to specific questions and the impact on your child’s overall attendance will be assessed. If assessment suggests your child’s overall attendance would fall below the 95% target no absence can or will be authorised.

 Penalty Notices have been increased to £160 per parent per child (discounted to £80 if paid within 21 days).  If there is occasion to issue a second Penalty Notice for unauthorised leave of absence within a rolling 3 year period, it will be issued at the higher rate of £160 per parent per child, with no opportunity to pay at the lower level.  A Penalty Notice cannot be issued if there is a third occasion of unauthorised leave of absence in the rolling 3 year period and it is highly likely that the local authority will take direct prosecution action in the Magistrates’ Court which can result in you receiving a criminal conviction.  Please also be aware that any cases of extended periods of unauthorised absence, linked to holidays or trips away, are highly likely to result in prosecution action by the local authority.

The form to apply for an extended leave of absence can be found here.

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