Absence

Pupils will be striving for 100% attendance each term but we know that sometimes children are too ill to come to school. We operaRequestste an ‘absence-calling service’ and this means that parents/carers are required to telephone or email the absence line, each and every day to report their child’s absence (see details below). If we do not receive a call by 9am, the Attendance Officer will look for your child and if they are not present, will call the contact numbers which you have provided so that their whereabouts can be confirmed. The safety of your child is paramount.

Parents and carers have the option to leave a message on the Absence line on 01373 468615 or email attendance@selwood.mnsp.org.uk before 8.30am. Parents and carers should provide their child’s name, Tutor group and specific reason for absence, not ‘unwell’ or ‘under the weather’

 

Term Time Leave

Regulations make it clear that Head Teachers can only grant a leave of absence during term time for exceptional circumstances – Somerset County Council suggest that this may include:

  • Forces staff returning from lengthy active service abroad.
  • Police or Fire Service staff being told when they can or cannot take leave.
  • If a close family member has a terminal illness and it may be a last chance to be together, especially if the family member lived overseas.
  • Parents having to work abroad for a fixed, minimum term period.

Any request for leave must be made in writing for the attention of the Headteacher in advance. There is a form to complete on our website. If the Headteacher does not authorise your request and your child is still taken out of school, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Term Time Leave Request Form

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Illnesses/Accidents

If a pupil becomes unwell during the school day, a member of staff will be informed straight away. Competent staff will attend to their need and a decision made as to whether they should remain in school or if they need to be collected by their parent/carer. Once a decision has been made that a pupil is not well enough to remain in school, it is the clear responsibility of the parent/carer to collect them at the earliest convenience or have someone that can support with this, within 45 minutes of being advised

Medical Appointments

Wherever possible, medical appointments for children should be made outside of school hours. If a medical appointment is unavoidable during the school day, please email the Attendance Officer attendance@Selwood.mnsp.org.uk or ring the Absence Line with the relevant details. Please remind your child on the morning of their appointment. An appointment card or hospital letter may be required.