Report an absence

Tell the school as soon as you can if your child cannot go to school. This helps the school keep your child safe and understand what support may be needed.

Tell the school on the first day

Contact the school before morning registration, or as early as possible.

Tell them:

• your child’s name and class
• why they are absent
• how long you think your child will be off

If your child is away for more than one day, update the school daily unless they agree another plan.

If your child is ill

Let the school know:

• any treatment, medicines or special care they need
• whether your child has a condition that may affect their attendance

If your child is often off sick, the school may ask for medical evidence so they can give the right support.

Examples include an appointment card, pharmacy note or text from a GP surgery.

Medicines during the school day

Speak to the school office if your child needs prescribed medicine in school. They will tell you what they can give and what forms you need to fill in.

If your child becomes unwell at school

If your child becomes unwell, the school will contact you to collect them. They will make sure your child is safe until you arrive.

Authorised and unauthorised absence

Only the school can decide if an absence is authorised.

The headteacher looks at the reason you give and makes the decision.

Absences are usually authorised for reasons like illness, medical appointments, or agreed family emergencies. Schools may ask for medical evidence if they are concerned about absence.

If the school does not accept the reason, they will record the absence as unauthorised.

If you need to request leave in term time

Schools only authorise term‑time leave for exceptional reasons.

You must request leave in advance so the headteacher has time to consider it.

If the school does not approve the request and you take your child out anyway, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.

Unauthorised leave may lead to a penalty notice or prosecution.

Absence for employment or entertainment work

If your child needs time off for work in the entertainment industry, specific rules apply.

Ask the school for guidance so you can follow the correct process.

If your child is late

If your child arrives after registration, take them to the school office to sign in.

If your child is very late, the school may record this as unauthorised absence.

Check your school’s attendance policy for registration times.