Attendance and Absence
Our academy has a legal responsibility to monitor absence, alongside parents who have a legal duty to ensure their child attends school regularly.
We are really proud that our attendance rates reflect national averages and our rates of persistent absentees are decreasing on a yearly basis. This is due to our personalised and realistic approach to attendance. We firmly believe supporting parents and families with their child’s attendance is the best way forward.
We have a committed attendance team who would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns regarding your child’s attendance.
Unplanned absence
The pupil’s parent/carer must notify the school of the reason for the absence on each day of an unplanned absence by 9am or as soon as practically possible by calling the academy office team members. Parents and carers must call the main school office on 01293 525596 in the first instance or email office@desmondandersonprimaryacademy.org.uk.
We will mark absence due to illness as authorised unless the academy has a genuine concern about the authenticity of the illness. If the authenticity of the illness is in doubt, the academy may ask the pupil’s parent/carer to provide medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note, prescription, appointment card or other appropriate form of evidence.
We will not ask for medical evidence unnecessarily. If the academy is not satisfied about the authenticity of the illness, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and parents/carers will be notified.
Planned Absence
Attending a medical or dental appointment will be counted as authorised if the pupil’s parent/carer notifies the academy in advance of the appointment. If a pupil is present at registration but has a medical appointment during the session in question, no absence needs be recorded for that session.
We encourage parents/carers to make medical and dental appointments out of academy hours where possible. Where this is not possible, the pupil should be out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary.
The pupil’s parent/carer must also apply for other types of term-time absence as far in advance as possible of the requested absence. Parents requiring a leave of absence/holiday form should collect this from the academy office. Holidays during term time will not be authorised, other than for exceptional circumstances. Parents who decide to take their children on holiday during term time may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Children Who Are Often Absent
If your child’s attendance rate continues to decline throughout the year, parents will be required to attend a meeting to discuss ways to improve their child’s attendance. Children who have less than 90% attendance are classed a child who is persistently absent.
For our full attendance policy, please see our policies page