If your child is ill or unable to attend, you are asked to telephone (01622 751729) or text (07520633637) the academy that day. When your child returns written confirmation of the reason and length of absence is required.
The academy will then record an authorised absence. Only the academy can approve the reason for absence, not a parent.
No parent can demand time off for their child to go on a holiday. Holidays should not be taken during SATs Testing time for children in Years 2 and 6.
From September 2013 the Department for Education has amended the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 removing the Head Teacher’s ability to authorise leave of absence for a family holiday. Requests for holidays in term-time will not be authorised as the Regulations only allow the headteacher to authorise absence (leave) in “exceptional circumstances”.
The School’s Attendance Policy confirms that:
- agreement to each request is at the headteacher’s discretion, acting on behalf of the Governing Body
- each case will be judged on its merits
- the decision is final
- leave cannot be authorised retrospectively
Any unauthorised holiday for 5 days or more may incur a penalty notice.
If parents need to collect their child/children from the academy during the normal working day, e.g. for medical or dental appointments, it is preferred that the academy can be informed in advance in writing. Alternatively a form can be collected from the academy reception and stamped with proof of the appointment by the doctor/dentist. When they arrive they must call at the academy reception. It is most important that we are aware of all visitors who enter the premises as the safety of the children is our first concern, hence the presence of CCTVs.