Term Dates

Here is some additional information that you may find useful with regards to attendance.

  • Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their child receives a suitable full-time education. Where a child is registered at school, parents must ensure they attend regularly.

    Unauthorised Absence

    An unauthorised absence occurs when a child is absent from school without an acceptable reason or where the school has not authorised the absence.

    Under the Department for Education's national attendance framework, schools must consider a penalty notice when a child accumulates 10 sessions (equivalent to five school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling period of 10 school weeks. These absences do not need to be consecutive and may include unauthorised holidays, other unauthorised absences or arriving after the register has closed.

    Requesting Leave of Absence

    Parents wishing to request leave of absence during term time must complete a Request for Leave of Absence in Exceptional Circumstances form and submit it to the school as far in advance as possible.

    The Headteacher will consider each request individually. Leave of absence during term time can only be authorised where exceptional circumstances exist. There is no automatic entitlement to take children out of school for holidays.

    If a request is declined and parents proceed with the absence, or remove their child from school without seeking prior authorisation, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.

    Penalty Notices and Legal Action

    In accordance with the national framework introduced on 19 August 2024:

    • First penalty notice: £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, increasing to £160 if paid within 28 days.

    • Second penalty notice: £160 per parent, per child, payable within 28 days, if issued to the same parent for the same child within a rolling three-year period.

    • Third or subsequent offence: A third penalty notice cannot be issued to the same parent for the same child within that three-year period. Alternative legal action, including prosecution, may be considered.

    If a penalty notice is not paid within 28 days, the Local Authority may initiate legal proceedings.

    Parents should be aware that penalty notices may be issued without a prior warning where appropriate, particularly in cases of unauthorised term-time leave.

    Working Together to Improve Attendance

    We recognise that some children and families experience difficulties with school attendance. We are committed to working positively with parents and carers to identify barriers, provide appropriate support and improve attendance.

    Parents are encouraged to contact the school at the earliest opportunity if they are experiencing difficulties ensuring their child attends regularly.

  • Why Does School Attendance Matter?

    90% attendance might sound good, but what does it really mean?

    A child with 90% attendance is missing the equivalent of:

    • Half a day of school every week.

    • 19 school days each year – almost four weeks of learning.

    • More than a whole school year of education if this pattern continues throughout their school life.

    Did you know?

    The Department for Education classifies attendance of 90% or below as persistent absence. This includes both authorised and unauthorised absences.

    Every School Day Counts!

    Regular attendance is important for children's learning, development and wellbeing. Missing school can mean missing:

    • Important learning – particularly in reading, writing and maths, where skills build on previous lessons.

    • Friendships and social opportunities – developing relationships, confidence and communication skills.

    • Routines and consistency – helping children feel secure, settled and ready to learn.

    • New experiences – including practical activities, enrichment opportunities and learning alongside their classmates.

    Even occasional absences can add up over time, making it harder for children to keep up with their learning.

    How Can Parents Help?

    We ask all parents and carers to support regular school attendance by:

    • Ensuring children attend school every day they are well enough to do so.

    • Contacting the school on the first morning of absence if their child is unwell, providing the reason for their absence.

    • Arranging medical and dental appointments outside school hours wherever possible.

    • Requesting any exceptional leave of absence in advance, using the school's agreed procedures.

    We understand that children sometimes need to miss school due to illness, medical needs or exceptional circumstances. Where clarification is necessary, the school may request reasonable supporting evidence.

    We're Here to Help

    We recognise that some families may face challenges with school attendance. If you have concerns about your child's attendance, health or wellbeing, please contact us.

    By working together, we can help every child feel happy, supported and ready to learn.

    Together we learn and succeed.

  • Please click here to view the flow chart which explains how we monitor and assess attendance

  • To view our attendance policy please click here