Absences

We are sure you are all aware how important it is for a child to be at school for the maximum amount of time. Any absence for appointments, illness or holidays can be very disruptive to a child’s learning.

Recent studies including the Charlie Taylor Report have shown the following:

“If children are taken away for a two week holiday every year and have an average number of days off school for sickness and appointments, then by the time they leave at sixteen they will have missed a year of school”. Also, “children with poor attendance are unlikely to succeed academically and they are more likely not to be in education, employment or training when they leave school.”

We monitor attendance very closely, together with the local Education Welfare Officer. It is important to us that pupils get the most out of their education and that they don’t miss important learning. This also applies to being in school on time. Consistent attendance really does help them to learn more efficiently. We hope that you will support us in this important matter.

Illness

Please telephone the school to let us know when your child is unable to attend school for any reason.(0113 2491525)  On the child’s return a note explaining the reason for absence is also required.  There are certain incubation and exclusion periods for the commoner communicable diseases.  If you are in doubt as to these please contact the school.

Holidays

The law does not grant parents an automatic right to take their child out of school during term time.  If the request is for an absence in term time you must have parental responsibility and the parent with whom the child normally lives.  Permission must be sought in advance and must be for exceptional circumstances.  If you do not have parental responsibility and/or normally live with the child you must seek the consent of the parent who does and that person should complete the form.  Schools will only consider requests from that parent and absence will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.

Absence from school will be authorised if it is for the following reasons: 

  • Genuine illness
  • Unavoidable medical / dental appointments (but try to make these after school if at all possible)
  • Days of religious observance
  • Exceptional circumstances, such as bereavement