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

The Department of Education made important changes to the law for families wanting to request leave of absence in term time. The changes to the law are introduced through the Education (Penalty Notices) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 and came into effect from 19th August 2024. This means that any unauthorised leave taken after this date, will be dealt with under the new Regulations. 

Therefore we would ask that parents do understand when requests made to school are unauthorised as per government legislation changes.

All requests must be put in writing to Mrs Reade. Headteachers cannot authorise any leave of absence unless the request is received before the period of absence begins and the leave is an exceptional circumstance.  A need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not constitute an exceptional circumstance.

As a school we are obliged to inform you that you may be subject to a Penalty Notice if your child's absence from school is unauthorised. This is in line with Staffordshire County Council's Code of Conduct and the "Working Together to Improve School Attendance" statutory guidance (effective 19th August 2024).

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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