School absences

Children must attend school regularly and on time during term time.

The 2 reasons your child can miss school are:

• your child is too ill to go to school
• the school has authorised your child to be absent.

If your child is too ill to attend school, you should always call the school to let them know.

If your child is absent too often, the school may contact us to investigate what is happening.

Long-term illness

If your child can't attend school due to a long-term medical condition we can offer support to help them continue their education.

Authorised absences

The headteacher must give you permission if you are planning to take your child out of school during term time.

Your child may be allowed to miss school for:

• a death in the family or funeral
• doctor, hospital or dental appointments.

Your child will not be allowed to miss school for:

• shopping trips
• waiting in for a delivery
• family birthdays
• visits from relatives
• family outings
• not having the correct school uniform
• family holidays.

If you do not get permission and you take your child out of school, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and your child could be considered a truant.

If you have any questions about your child's absence, you must contact your school.

Holidays in term time

You have to get permission from the head teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time.

You will need to apply at least 2 weeks in advance and it will generally only be granted if there are exceptional circumstances.

It's up to the head teacher how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.