As a parent/carer, you can demonstrate your commitment to your child’s education by not allowing your child to miss school for anything other than an exceptional and unavoidable reason.  

Parents are required under the Education Act (1996) to ensure their child attends school regularly.  There is no automatic right to take a child out of school during term time, but the law allows Head teachers to consider individual requests to authorise a leave of absence in exceptional circumstances.

The Head teacher must be satisfied that the exceptional circumstances justify an authorised absence, and it is entirely the responsibility of the parent submitting the request to provide enough information and evidence in order to establish this fact.

The request for an authorised leave of absence must be made in advance and the Head teacher may invite the parent/carer into school to discuss the request before a decision is made.

If the circumstances relating to this request are considered exceptional and the absence is authorised by the Head teacher, the expectation is that child’s attendance will be of a satisfactory level both prior to and after the date covered by the request.  

If the request for a leave of absence is refused and the absence is recorded as unauthorised, the Head teacher may refer the matter to the Local Authority requesting a Penalty Notice be issued against you.

Under the new National Framework for Penalty Notices issued by the DfE, the following changes came into force for School Penalty Notice Fines issued after 19th August 2024:

First offence: The first penalty notice issued for unauthorised absence is a fine of £80 if paid within 21 days of receipt, rising to £160 if the notice is paid after 21 days but within 28 days.   

Second Offence: If a second penalty notice is issued within a 3-year period for unauthorised absence, then the fine is a flat rate of £160 paid within 28 days.

Third Offence: The third time an offence is committed a penalty notice will not be issued, and the case will be presented straight to the Magistrate’s Court.

Prosecution can result in Criminal record and fines of up to £2,500

Q: My child is just having an ‘off day’ so I’m not sending him/her in’

A: Having sporadic days off school can quickly add up. We always want to encourage pupils to attend, sometimes getting out of bed, showering and putting on a uniform is all it takes to feel a little better. Coming to school on days when you don’t really feel like it can make a big difference. We will always send pupils home if they are genuinely unwell.

Q: My child was sick over the weekend, should I keep him/her at home?

A: We don’t have a fixed 48hr rule for diarrhoea & sickness. If your child has had an isolated incident and is feeling better, please send them to school.

Q: I have received an attendance letter and I do not like the tone.

A: We’re sorry you feel that way but we have to state facts and legal information to make things clear. Each correspondence forms part of a possible legal intervention and must leave no ambiguity.

Q: I can’t provide medical evidence because it’s impossible to get a GP appointment.

A: Wherever possible, we will request medical evidence. If your child is off for 4 consecutive days, we will expect a GP visit. If your child has had several shorter absences for the same condition, we will also expect a GP visit. Medical evidence makes the difference between authorised absence and unauthorised absence. We do not pursue legal intervention where medical evidence is provided. It’s as important for you as it is for us.

Q: I do not like being challenged regarding my child’s absences and reserve the right to make the decision as to whether my child is well enough to attend school.

A: We are sorry you feel that way but please bear in mind that our team is simply doing their jobs in complying with school rules and statutory guidance. It’s not personal and ultimately we can offer a multitude of support to help your child’s attendance improve and safeguard their future success. Remember, we care.

 Q: Why do I have to tell you the details when my child is unwell?

A: Firstly, your conversation with us is confidential. We do not share details with the wider school community but will need to know exactly what’s wrong so that we can offer the right level of support and guidance. We care for every aspect of your child’s health and wellbeing from migraines to mental health. Good communication will help us to help you.

 Q: Why do I need to call school every day when my child is absent?

A: Put simply, we have a duty of care and cannot assume that your child is at home. A daily call to us will give both school and home the confidence of knowing that your child is safe.

Q: I cannot take your calls or make meetings due to work commitments.

A: We will endeavour to work around your schedule in the interest of your child. Conversations and face to face meetings are important in building relationships. Family dynamics are unique and so are the interventions we can put in place to help your child to overcome barriers to attendance.

Q: My child is anxious and their attendance has dropped, but you want to meet me to discuss this matter. You know why they can’t attend, what is the point of this meeting?

A: Our meetings are intended to be supportive. We have a team of qualified staff in school along with a dedicated counsellor. If you are seeking external help it’s important to send in your appointment letters and stay in touch