If a pupil is absent for any reason parents are asked to telephone school by 9.30 a.m. If the school has not been informed we will try to contact you to ascertain the reason for absence (please do try to contact us first!) If an absence is likely to be prolonged parents should contact school so that work can be provided.
Please note that the Education Regulations state that "a pupil must not be granted more than two weeks leave of absence in any year, save in exceptional circumstances".
100% Attendances
HOLIDAYS The Education (Pupil Reintegration) Regulations 1995 stress that absences due to family holiday should not normally exceed ten days in any school year. Increasingly Government policy is putting pressure on parents not to take pupils out of school during term time. The school’s policy at KS3 is to exercise discretion in authorising up to ten days holiday if certain criteria are met. (Attendance %).
At KS4 parents are strongly advised against taking pupils on holiday and it is unlikely that school will authorise the absence.
Fixed Term Penalties may be used by the Education Welfare Service in cases where parents insist on taking pupils out of school when the school has declined authorisation, or where attendance falls below an accepted % level without good reason.
If it is necessary for a child to be absent due to a family holiday, contact with school must be made well in advance. Pupils will need to obtain a form from the school office for ANY holiday request for absence. This is signed and returned first by parents to the Deputy Head (Pupil Development). He will sign to authorise the absence or indicate to parents that the absence will be categorised as unauthorised, according to the regulations. |