Absences

Regular attendance is absolutely vital to a child’s progress, and it is a parent’s lawful duty to ensure that their child attends school therefore it is assumed that absence will normally only be for ill health.

If your child is absent, Parents / Carers are asked to telephone school on the first morning of absence, before 9.15am, and send a brief note of explanation to the teacher concerned when your child returns to school.

The school operates a ‘First Day Call’ system whereby if we haven’t heard about a particular child’s absence we will contact the parents concerned. Parents can complete the form below to report their child absent from school or contact the school office on 0208 856 1346

Apart from illness, all other reasons for absence must be notified in advance.

Although Head Teachers are authorised to grant leave of absence this is only in ‘exceptional circumstances’ and for a maximum of ten school days in an academic year.

Requests for leave MUST be made at least 3 weeks before the proposed absence.

The Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) will scrutinise all absences on a regular basis.

The law states that it is the school which makes the decision as to whether the reason given can be authorised. Authorisation for absence cannot be given for the following:

  • Holidays
  • Birthdays
  • Visiting relatives or relatives visiting
  • Day trips
  • Shopping
  • Oversleeping and therefore taking off the whole morning or day

If it is necessary for your child to visit a doctor or dentist during school time a note of explanation is required. If for any reason you need to take your child out of school during school time it is vital you inform their class teacher and the office staff.

 

Pupil Absence Form