ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
To report your child's absence please follow the procedures below:
- If you wish to report your child’s absence please email absence@downshall.redbridge.sch.uk by 9.00am, please state your child's full name, class and details on the reason for the absence (simply stating that your child is unwell is not sufficient).
Please remember you must contact the school to record absence each day that your child is off school.
If your child is absent for 5 days or more the school requires medical evidence to support the absence, either a doctor’s note or medical prescription must be handed to the school office.
- If you would like to request leave of absence during term time please complete this form which can either be sent to absence@downshall.redbridge.sch.uk or handed to the school office. Please ensure all documentation (flight details, medical, invitation etc) is included with the request.
Pupils attend school for a maximum 190 days each academic year. Full attendance is vital for your child’s educational progress. The school regards absence as a very serious concern and it is a proven fact there is a clear link between poor attendance at school and lower academic achievement. ( (DfE), 2012).
The Department for Education state that leave of absence requests for holidays should not be granted. The school will only grant leave in term time (in line with statuary guidance) in the most exceptional circumstances for which evidence will be requested. Request for leave during term time must be applied for in advance. Leave taken without the permission of the Head teacher will be recorded as unauthorised and you may be liable to a Penalty Notice fine of £120 per parent, per child (£60 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days). The fines will be issued by Redbridge Education Welfare Service
The school has a statutory duty to monitor pupils’ attendance and failure to keep the school informed will result in your child being recorded for unauthorised absence.