Late/Absence Procedure
Absence/Lateness Reporting
Good attendance at school provides vital continuity of learning for your son/daughter. If your child is absent from school for any period, they will miss important elements of their learning. Absence on unforeseeable grounds (illness, travel disruption or emergency medical appointments) should be communicated to the school by phone on 01274 678545 or 07860775441 or e-mail office@farfield.bradford.sch.uk on each and every day of absence before 9.00am. This should be followed up with written proof of any appointments.
The school doors open at 8:30 am and registration takes place at 8:45am. The register will close at 8:45am, children arriving after the close of register will be recorded as being late. Children arriving after 9:15 am will receive U (Unauthorised absence) code which will negatively impact on your child’s attendance. Absences or late arrivals will only be authorised if a satisfactory explanation can be provided, for example, attendance at a medical appointment. (Code M) .
If your child is absent due to sickness, they must not return to school until they have eaten a full meal and been clear of any symptoms.
If you do not report an absence or your child's attendance is a cause for concern our Office Manager (Mrs Taylor) or Attendance Officers may conduct a home visit. If you have any issues that may affect your child's attendance it is important to inform Mrs Taylor. It is important parents understand that it is their responsibility to get their child to school and be on time!
Leave of Absence and Extended Leave:
Parents do not have an automatic right to remove their child from school during term time and are strongly advised not to do so. Parents should be aware that if their child is absent for 10 school days , they will miss 5% of their education during that academic year.
Parents wishing to take their child out of school during term time must complete a " Leave of Absence Form". Documentary evidence of leave and return dates may be provided in order to process your request. Retrospective requests will not be considered and therefore will result in an automatic fine and the absence will be categorised as an unauthorised holiday. Each request will be considered individually and will take the following factors into account:
- Length of the proposed leave
- Age of the pupil
- The pupil’s general absence/attendance record
- Proximity of SATs and public examinations
- Pupil’s ability to catch up the work missed
- Pupil’s educational needs
- General welfare of the pupil
- Circumstances of the request
- Purpose of the leave
- Previous term time holidays taken
- When the request was made
- The expected date of return
- If the permission to take leave is not granted and the pupil is absent, the absence will be unauthorised and a fine may be incurred
THE GOVERNORS AT FARFIELD WILL NOT AUTHORISE HOLIDAYS. IF YOU TAKE A HOLIDAY IN TERM TIME YOU MAY RECIEVE A FINE - £60 PER PARENT PER CHILD. For a holiday to be authorised you must prove exceptional circumstances and not miss any statutory assessments.