What is an unauthorised absence?

Unauthorised absence from school

Unauthorised absence is when a school is not satisfied with the reasons given for the absence.

 Reasons that will be unauthorised without discussion include;

• Shopping trips
  • including for school uniform
• Haircut
• Birthdays
• To act as an interpreter for a parent's or carer's appointment
  • Almost all services can provide an interpreter for your appointment. You should request an interpreter at the time of booking.
• To greet or say goodbye to visiting friends or relatives
• To look after younger siblings
  • In some cases, this could put your child and the child they are looking after at risk of harm, and the school will consider whether a child protection response is necessary.
• ​​​​​​​Because you are expecting a visitor or a delivery to your home​​​​​​​
• To go on holiday
  • ​​​​​​​Visits abroad will only be considered if there are exceptional circumstances (A family holiday is not considered an exceptional circumstance). In this case, you should speak to Mrs Whittingham or Mrs Scott-Hopkins and complete a request-for-leave form. All requests are treated on their individual merit. 
• Because you do not have the things your child needs for school;
  • No clean or dry uniform - We want your child in school, just let someone know that you have had difficulty providing uniform that day. The school will provide a spare uniform as necessary.
  • No food for a packed lunch/ money for a school dinner - Please send your child to school. We will make sure they do not go hungry and talk to you about any support you may need.
• Because you have a meeting or appointment
  • Housing, benefit-related, or other meeting: Even if you need to attend an important appointment or meeting, you should bring your child to school. We can support you with collection arrangements if needed, and you will find the appointment much easier without your children in tow.
  • A medical appointment for yourself: It is not appropriate for you or your child to attend such medical appointments. Please try to arrange them for when your child is in school, or talk to us about what to do if this is not possible.