At Unity Primary Academy, we know that every day counts. Therefore, it is vital that children attend school every day. Whilst we recognise that illness and exceptional circumstances do sometimes occur, we are ambitious in our aim to support every child to attend school every day. We hope that you will continue to work with us to ensure your child/children receive the best opportunity to achieve their full potential.

REPORTING ABSENCE

If your child is unable to attend school, please contact the school’s absence line on 01206 864226 by 8.30am on each day of your child’s absence. Please state clearly your child’s name, class and reason for absence. Alternatively, you can send an email to: [email protected]

REQUESTS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The current law does not give any entitlement to parents to take their child out of school during term time.  The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 prohibits the Headteacher granting leave of absence to a pupil except where an application has been made in advance and the Headteacher considers that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application.

The school requires all parents to write a letter outlining the ‘exceptional circumstances’ for which a leave of absence is being applied. Applications for exceptional holiday leave will be considered by the Headteacher’s delegated representative and the school’s Attendance Officer who will advise the applicant by letter whether the leave will be authorised or not. It may also be necessary for the Attendance Officer to meet with a parent in these circumstances to ascertain the exceptional nature of the application.

The Leave of Absence request letter can be handed in to School Reception or can be emailed directly to [email protected]

Where an absence is not authorised, the Local Authority may issue a penalty notice to each parent of £60 for each child to be paid within 21 days. If the penalty is not paid within the time scale the penalty will increase to £120. If the higher penalty is not paid within 28 days, the Local Authority will then institute legal proceedings against you in the magistrate’s court under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996 for failing to ensure your child attends school regularly.