Attendance

Parents and carers must report all student absences on the first day of absence and each subsequent day. A clear reason for the absence must be provided (e.g., simply reporting that they are ‘unwell’ is insufficient), along with an estimation of when the student will return to the academy. Any student absence that is not reported to the academy will be followed up with a text message and/or a telephone call and/or a home visit by a member of staff. If we are unable to ascertain a reason for the absence, it will be recorded as unauthorised. Students with 5% or more unauthorised absences at any point in the academic year may be referred to the local authority, with a recommendation for a fixed penalty notice or legal prosecution.

Absence due to sickness

Students who are unable to attend the academy due to medical needs will have all reasonable and proportionate absences approved. However, if the amount of time a student takes off due to sickness becomes disproportionate, we will require medical evidence, such as an appointment card or a letter from a GP, before approving any further illness-related absences. If this requirement is put in place, parents will first be notified via letter. If medical evidence is not provided after this notification, all subsequent sickness-related absences will be unauthorised and may be subject to a referral for a fixed penalty notice or legal prosecution.

Student absence:

To report your child’s absence from The Academy:

• Report your absence via the ClassCharts app BEFORE 8:30 am on the first day.
• Report absence via phone call BEFORE 8.30 am on the first day.
• You must contact the Academy BEFORE 8.30 am every day if your child remains absent.

Medical Appointments:

If your child has a medical appointment, please notify the Academy, in writing, BEFORE the day of the appointment.

If you wish for your son or daughter to walk home, then the Academy must receive written permission for them to do so.

Request for leave of absence

Parents and carers are reminded that any request for a leave of absence during term time must be submitted using the official request form, available via the link below.

DF36-Leave-of-Absence-Request-Sept-2024.docx

Please note that in line with government guidelines and school policy, leave of absence will only be granted in the most exceptional or unavoidable circumstances. Holidays during term time will not be authorised. All requests will be considered individually, taking into account the specific details and evidence provided.

Holidays and Trips Taken During Term Time

Families whose children are absent from the academy during term time, due to a holiday or similar event, will be issued a fixed penalty notice. As of recent updates in UK law, the penalty is £80 per parent per child if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 if paid between 22 and 28 days. Failure to pay the penalty notice may result in prosecution. Parents who believe the absence is exceptional and wish it to be authorised must notify the academy in advance and request permission from the Principal. The academy will not provide work for students who miss school for these reasons, nor will they offer ‘catch-up’ work upon their return.