It is the parent’s responsibility to telephone the school and provide reason for every day that a child is absent. An email or text message is also acceptable.
For unknown or unexplained absences, the school will telephone home on the first day.
The Education Welfare Officer advises that we need to see a doctor’s note if your child is absent for more than three days due to illness. The school office can also provide a letter that the doctor's surgery can sign. For hospital and GP appointments, evidence needs to be seen by the school office for the absence to be authorised (either a letter from the hospital or the appointment card). For all non-urgent dental and GP appointments, parents are asked to make these after school or during the holidays.
If your child has regular absences, has under 90% attendance or is known to the Education Welfare Officer, the school may require acceptable evidence for each absence, even if only one day is taken.
Please be aware that it is the Head of School's decision whether or not to authorise any absences, even when the parent informs the school of the absence. However, if suitable medical evidence is provided, usually the school will authorise the absence.
Please note that absence will also not be authorised for:
- Birthdays
- Visiting relatives/airport
- Day trip (not organised by school)
- Holidays
- Parent’s/sibling’s illness or medical appointment
Illness before/after a half term holiday
If your child is absent before/after a holiday period, and illness is the reason provided, you will be asked to provide evidence of that illness when your child returns to school. The school has been advised to challenge ALL parents on these absences to minimise extended holidays in term time. Failure to provide acceptable evidence may result in you receiving a penalty charge.