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Unity Primary Academy

“Giving every child every chance, every day.”

Attendance and Late/Absence Procedures

Attendance Ladder

Helpful Expectations

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]

 

The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence, the fine amount will be: £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days. If not paid within 21 days, the fine will increase to £160 per parent, per child, payable between the 22nd and 28th day.

 

The second time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence, a reduced rate is not available. The amount therefore will be:

£160 per parent, per child – payable within 28 days.

 

The third time an offence is committed, a Penalty Notice WILL NOT be issued, and the case will be presented straight to the Magistrate’s Court.

Prosecution can result in criminal records and fines of up to £2,500

Cases found guilty in a Magistrates Court can show on the parent’s future DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring Service) due to a ‘failure to safeguard a child’s education’

 

 

Leave of Absence Request - to be completed by parent.

Report an absence

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