Good attendance is vital in improving children’s life chances. Children who attend school regularly will have the best chance to achieve their academic potential and have real opportunity in further education and the world of work. It will also enable your child to:

• access the lessons needed to achieve their expected grades
• maintain friendships and develop new ones
• have access to social and sporting events offered by the school
• explore potential careers
• develop work habits such as good punctuality which are essential to thrive in the world of employment

Missing out on the education, all children are entitled to, risks children falling behind. Those with higher overall absence tend to achieve less well in both primary and secondary school.

We are committed to working proactively with families where a child’s attendance is a concern. Where appropriate, we will offer Early Help support through school or by working with external agencies. However, if this support is not engaged with and attendance continues to be a concern, the Local Authority may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80 per parent, per child.

Please find our Attendance Policy on our Policies page. 

Is my child too ill for school?

It can sometimes be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school when they're unwell.

If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know.

For more advice as to whether you should send your child to school when they are feeling unwell, please contact the school office or refer to the following NHS link: Is my child too ill for school?

If you do keep your child at home, it's important to phone us on 0121 464 2881 on the first day of absence, to let us know that your child won't be in and why.

Holidays during term time

Holidays during term time are not permitted, except in exceptional cases. Parents/carers must apply for authorisation before travelling; otherwise, their child may be reported to the council as missing from education.

Leave requests for circumstances such as family illness abroad or weddings may be declined. Simply informing the school of an absence does not mean that leave has been approved.

One week of unauthorised holiday or leave results in at least 25 missed lessons that cannot be repeated. 

Unauthorised leave may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80 per parent, per child, being issued by the Local Authority. 

If you have any concerns about your child's attendance, please contact us on the above number to discuss these with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Thank you.