Attendance and Absences

Reporting an absence

My child is unable to attend school, what should I do?

Contact us as soon as possible on the first day of absence, preferably before 9.00am. Please make sure you state your child's name, form and the reason for absence. Please note you must call for each day of absence.

Unauthorised absence

What if I don't contact the school?

We will call you on the first day of absence if no absence has been reported to the school.

Continued absence

What happens if there are persistent absences?

You will be invited to attend a meeting at school to discuss the situation with our Senior Attendance Officer. Here you can discuss any issues or ongoing medical problems your child may have. A support plan may be offered.

If attendance drops to below 90%, then the matter may be referred to the Educational Support Service.

For further information on Educational Investigation Service (ESS) policies and procedures please follow this link https://www.dudley.gov.uk/resident/learning-school/parental-support/dudley-education-investigation-service/ 

Application for leave of absence during term time

Taking your child out of school during term time could be detrimental to their educational progress.

A pupil who takes 10 days absence will only attain 94.7% attendance in the year. They will also miss 50 hours of education. After 10 days of absence, medical documentation may be required in order for the school to authorise any further periods of absence.

There is NO entitlement to parents to take their child out of school during term time, however, you may apply to the school for leave of absence if you believe there are exceptional circumstances.

The Education (Pupil Registration) (England)(Amendment) Regulations 2013 amended Regulation 7 prohibit Headteachers granting leave of absence to a pupil except where an application has been made in advance (at least four weeks before) by the parent/carer with whom the pupil normally resides and the Headteacher considers that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application.

If the absence is not authorised and the holiday/leave of absence is taken anyway, the case will be referred to the Education Investigation Service (ESS) who may issue a Penalty Notice for £120 (or £60 if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child take out of school.