Definition of Authorised Absence

Authorised absences are mornings or afternoons away from school for a good reason, such as illness or other unavoidable cause.

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Definition of Unauthorised Absence

Unauthorised absences are those which the school does not consider reasonable and for which no “leave” has been given. This includes:
– Parents keeping children off school unnecessarily
– Truancy before or during the school day
– Absences which have never been properly explained
– Children who arrive at school too late to get a mark
 

Procedures for Parents and Pupils – Absence/lateness

Absence should be reported by telephone to the school on the first day of absence.

01902 843177

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Pupils arriving late to school (after 8.35am or 1.10pm) should report directly to Reception to register.

School will not authorise absences for shopping, looking after other children, haircuts etc.

 

When absence is expected (known in advance) it should be notified in writing in advance to the school for approval e.g. a family funeral or hospital appointment.

office@codsall-middle.staffs.sch.uk

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Leave of Absence

On 1st September 2013 a new law came into effect with regard to authorised holidays for pupils’ during term time. Headteachers are unable to authorise holidays for children during term time. We do understand that the cost of holidays and sometimes employment dictates when families can take holidays but from 1st September 2013 there will be a standard approach to the unauthorisation of holidays in term time taken by all schools in England. When there are very exceptional circumstances (please note these will be very rarely granted) we will consult the published government guidance. In very rare instances where a situation may be deemed to be exceptional, we will consult the Staffordshire guidance for clarification.

The Codsall Local Area Schools Partnership met in the Autumn Term 2013 to ensure that this policy is implemented consistently and fairly across all Codsall schools. Therefore we would ask that parents do understand when requests made to school are unauthorised as per the policy and government legislation changes.

All requests must be put in writing to Mr Bowers.

 

Support

Parents whose children are experiencing attendance difficulties should contact the school at an early stage and work together with the staff in resolving any problems. This is nearly always successful. If difficulties cannot be sorted out in this way, the school or the parent may refer the child to the Education Welfare Worker from the County Council. He/she will also try to resolve the situation with voluntary support.

Alternatively, parents or children may wish to contact the EWW themselves to ask for help or information. They are independent of the school and will give impartial advice. Their telephone number is available from the school office or by contacting the Local Education Authority