Positive School Attendance - A guide for parents

A Guide to Positive School Attendance

When may a child be absent from school?

There are only three reasons why a child may be absent from school. These are:

Illness
Religious observance
Where LA transport should be provided but is unavailable.

These absences will be authorised by the school following contact with parents or carers. Most schools ask parents to telephone on the first day of absence and then to provide a note when the child returns to school.

Schools may authorise other absences if they consider them to be unavoidable. If possible parents should always consult with the school in advance if their child is going to unavoidably absent.
Only schools can authorise absence. Parents do not have this legal authority.
Absences not accepted by the school will be 'unauthorised'. If sufficient unauthorised absence accumulates the school will take steps, such as inviting parents to a meeting, to improve attendance.

Truancy is a form of unauthorised absence where a child deliberately misses school. Parents, however, remain legally responsible for this absence. Assistance is available in this situation and may be sought via the school or by directly contacting the ESWS.

If there is no improvement in attendance a referral will be made to the ESWS and this may result in legal action.

Holidays in term time

There is no automatic right to holiday leave in school time. Parents may request up to ten days leave by completing in advance the holiday request form available from school.
Schools may decide not to authorise holidays especially at important times of the school year, e.g. the beginning of a term, during exams, etc.

In exceptional circumstances extended leave may be requested by direct contact with the Head teacher.

Contact telephone numbers:

Principal Education Social Worker: 01926 410410

Education Social Work Service Duty Desk: 01926 431268

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