Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing to inform you about recent changes to national school attendance guidelines that have been implemented through the "Working Together to Improve School Attendance" guidance, effective from August 2024. These changes reflect the importance of school attendance and the legal obligations that schools, local authorities, and parents share in ensuring that every child receives a full-time education.
Statutory Expectations:
The Department for Education has implemented updated legal guidance around school attendance which outlines compulsory expectations. Some of the key points are below:
Attendance:
All students should attend school regularly. Absences will not be authorised unless valid medical evidence has been submitted. All medical evidence can be sent to attendance@ems.bhcet.org.uk
Punctuality:
It is the responsibility of the parent/carer to ensure a child attends school on time. Poor punctuality will be closely monitored as this affects the child’s attendance and quality of education.
Monitoring:
School will monitor attendance and punctuality and parents will be contacted regarding any absences or patterns of absence. Parents will also be invited in for a meeting if required to identify any support needed.
Unauthorised Term Time Leave:
Parents/carers have no legal right to remove a child from education. The local authority may issue a Penalty Notice for unauthorised term-time leave. Penalty notices can be issued if your child has 10 sessions (equivalent to 5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling period of 10 school weeks. These absences can be consecutive or non-consecutive and may include any combination of unauthorised absences, such as holidays taken during term time or repeated lateness after the register closes. To comply with safeguarding procedures, parents/carers must complete a ‘Request for Authorised Term-Time Absence’ form in advance of any leave.
We understand that some absences are unavoidable, such as those due to illness. It is crucial, however, that parents communicate with the school promptly and provide any necessary documentation to ensure that absences are authorised. If you are facing challenges that impact your child's ability to attend school regularly, please reach out to us. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to address these issues and ensure that your child receives the full educational experience they are entitled to.
Thank you for your attention to these important updates. Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain high attendance standards, which are essential for your child's academic success and well-being.
Should you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Yours sincerely,
Mr G. McLintock
