Absence Procedures

If your child is going to be absent from school, then you must inform the school and follow the correct procedures, below.

Absence Authorisation

Achievement predicted by teaching staff is based on ‘Regular’ attendance which we expect to be 97% and above. Students with poor attendance rarely achieve their potential grades.

Illness is authorised at the discretion of the school.

Absence of 5 or more days must be supported by medical evidence or a Home Visit.

Absence of 5 or more consecutive days without supporting medical evidence or Home Visit may not be authorised*.

*Unauthorised Absence may then be subject to a Penalty Notice from the Local Authority.

A Penalty Notice may be issued for 10 sessions of unauthorised absence or more (including family holidays in term time).

The Local Authority prosecute parent/ carers if Penalty Notices are unpaid.

We operate a ‘2nd or 3rd Day Calling’ system in order to advise and support parents/students during periods of illness.

Please Note:

Students who accumulate 2 or more episodes of illness, of any length, in any half term, may be asked to provide medical evidence for ALL subsequent absences.

Reporting Absence

• All absences must be reported before 10am each day.(The absence line is automated and available 24 hours a day 0161 622 3200).
• If you know your child is going to be absent in advance please let us know as soon as possible. Contact the Attendance Officer on 0161 622 3203.
• You can also reply to the Absence Alert text message sent on each day of unreported absence (please ensure we have up-to-date mobile phone information in order to receive this message).
• Written notification giving details of absence can be handed in at Student Reception on return to school.
• Download the My Child at School (MCAS) App
• Send us a text to 07860 054 563

Appointments During the School Day

Please do not arrange appointments during the school day. However, if absolutely necessary please send evidence of the appointment into school with your child on the day of the appointment.  Year Managers will sign the document to enable your child to sign out at the Student Reception.

Examples of Authorised Absence

• Hospital or Orthodontist appointment supported with appointment letter.
• College/Connexions/Employment Interview (evidence required).
• Funeral (1 day only).
• Reported Illness of 3 days or less (unless medical evidence has been specifically requested)
• Illness of 5 or more days supported with medical evidence or a Home Visit.
• Emergency Doctor or Dental appointments (Evidence Required) *Routine appointments should be made outside of school hours.
• Religious Observation – 1 Day Only may be claimed.  Parent/carers MUST inform school to confirm. (Such absence will affect your child’s attendance percentage)

Examples of Unauthorised Absence

• Leave of Absence NOT approved by school. (Including family holidays)
• Absence NOT reported on the day or supported by written explanation upon return to school.
• Absence of 4 or more days WITHOUT medical evidence or Home Visit.
• Routine Doctor/Dental appointments.
• Arriving late after registers have closed.
• Reported Illness NOT authorised by the school
• Absence/illness prior to or following Religious Observation.
• Truancy (Internal and External).

Examples of Medical Evidence

• Medical Appointment Card confirming attendance.
• Medical Appointment Letter.
• Copy of Prescription showing name and date.
• Prescribed medication with Pharmacist label showing name and date.
• Unfit for School declaration from GP/Consultant.
• Hospital discharge letter.

Home Visits

Home visits may be conducted for a number of reasons, including;

• Unreported or unexplained absence of any length.
• 2 days of illness, or more, without medical evidence.
• 3/4 days of illness, or more, with medical evidence.
• Absence prior to or following a school closure or leave of absence including family holidays.
• At the request of Safeguarding, Child Protection or Welfare Staff.

It may sometimes be necessary to conduct home visits during school closures.

We are required to report continued, persistent and unathorised absence to the Local Authority in order to safeguard children missing eduction in accordance with Statutory Guidance.

Support is Available

Special arrangements can be made to help your child remain in school during periods of illness or injury:

• Medication can be held and administered in school. A letter of authorisation will be required from parent/carer.
• A Healthcare Administrator is available throughout the school day in our fully equipped Medical Suite.
• A flexible timetable may be arranged temporarily if necesary.
• ‘Leave Lesson Early’ & Lift Passes are available for students with mobility difficulties ie., plaster casts, crutches etc.
• Use of the Supported Learning Centre for temporary withdrawal from lessons.
• The Attendance Team may contact parents/carers to offer advice or support to help students continue their education during times of ill health or reduced mobility.

Please contact the Attendance Officer to discuss any concerns you may have or support you may require.

Alternatively, you may contact the Education Welfare Attendance Manager to discuss this procedure.

This Policy was last updated in September 2023