Absence and Attendance
At Thomas A Becket Junior School, we believe that good attendance and punctuality are vital to children's learning, wellbeing and success. Children who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve their full potential, develop positive friendships and feel a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
Is my child too ill for school?
We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether your child is well enough to attend school.
The NHS provides helpful guidance for parents about common childhood illnesses and whether children should attend school:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/
If you are unsure, please contact the school office for advice.
What should I do if my child is absent?
Parents are responsible for informing the school of any absence.
Please contact the school on the first day of absence, ideally before 9:00am, and on each subsequent day of absence if your child remains unwell.
Please telephone 01903 202268 and leave a message stating:
- Your child's name and class
- The reason for absence
- The expected date of return
Leave of Absence During Term Time
There is no automatic right to take a child out of school during term time.
Leave of absence may only be granted by the Headteacher in exceptional circumstances. Requests must be made in advance using the school's online Leave of Absence Request Form.
Parents are strongly advised not to make travel arrangements until a decision has been received from the school.
If a child is taken out of school without authorisation, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and may be referred to the Local Authority for consideration of legal action.
Medical and Dental Appointments
Medical and dental appointments will normally only be authorised where they are for the pupil and the school has been informed in advance.
Whenever possible, appointments should be arranged outside school hours. Where this is not possible, children should attend school before and/or after the appointment wherever possible.
The school may request medical evidence to support the absence.
Holidays During Term Time
Family holidays should be arranged during school holiday periods wherever possible.
As leave of absence is only granted in exceptional circumstances, requests for family holidays during term time are unlikely to be authorised.
Any request for leave should be submitted using the school's online Leave of Absence Request Form as soon as possible and before the planned absence.
Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)
Under the National Framework for Penalty Notices, a referral may be made to the Local Authority when a pupil has accrued 10 sessions of unauthorised absence within a 10-school-week period.
Unauthorised absence may include:
- Unauthorised holidays during term time
- Arriving after the register has closed
- Other absences recorded as unauthorised
The current Penalty Notice charge is £160 per parent, per child, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.
Parents should be aware that a maximum of two Penalty Notices may be issued to the same parent for the same child within a rolling three-year period. Further offences may result in prosecution.
Being late for school
It is important that children arrive at school on time every day.
Children should arrive between 8:25am and 8:45am so they are settled and ready to learn.
Attendance Matters - ‘Every Day Counts’
Even a small amount of absence can quickly add up and have a significant impact on learning, friendships and wellbeing.
Attendance Matters - ‘Every Minute Counts’
Being just 15 minutes late every day is equivalent to missing approximately two weeks of learning across the school year.
Arriving on time helps children feel settled, confident and ready to learn from the start of the day.
TAB Junior School Attendance Policy
