All absences must be reported before 9:30 am each day. Messages can be left by calling 01935 424454 and pressing 1 to select the absence line.
If you know your child is going to be absent in advance please let us know as soon as possible. Please contact your child’s Pastoral Coordinator.
A text message is sent out for students on each day of unreported absence, this can be replied to.
Written notification giving details of absence can be handed in at Student Support on return to school.
We would not expect any parent to send their child to school if they are genuinely unwell. However, there are many occasions where students might start the day feeling unwell but they ‘perk up’ during the course of the day - sending them to school is the right course of action.
More often than not, we recommend that if your child is feeling under the weather, they should still attend school and we will always contact you if they become too unwell to stay.
Please see the current advice from the Chief Medical Officer for further information.
If your child is going to be absent for 5 consecutive days we would request medical evidence to support the absence. If your child’s attendance is already being monitored (and you have been made aware of this) you may be required to provide evidence for every absence.
Students have 175 non-school days each year to spend on family time and appointments and we ask that you do not take time out from school if these events can take place during the scheduled holidays. Students who are taken out of school during term time may find it hard to catch up and this can have a detrimental effect on their learning.
The law states that parents do not have the right to take their children out of school for holidays during term time. Any request for term time leave must be made in writing to the Head Teacher in advance.
Requests for holidays during term time will not be granted. The Head Teacher can only authorise term time leave in EXCEPTIONAL circumstances according to DfE guidelines. Any unauthorised absence, including term time leave not agreed with the school, could result in a Penalty Notice being issued to each parent/carer for every child affected. Buckler’s Mead Academy will request a Penalty Notice if students take an unauthorised holiday during term time.
It is not the school’s responsibility to issue work during term time leave as your child should be attending school.
If a student’s attendance is becoming a concern, a parent meeting may be requested, where we will work together to secure improvements. In extreme cases of poor attendance a Warning Penalty Notice or a Penalty Notice may be requested from the Education Welfare Service.
What is a Warning Penalty Notice?
Your child will be requested to be at school without absence for a period of time. If they fail this expectation, it will lead to a Penalty Notice.
How much is a Penalty Notice?
£60 if payment is made within 21 days, £120 if paid after this but within 28 days.
If payment is not made, the local authority is required to commence proceedings in the Magistrates Court for the original offence of unauthorised absence by your child. If proven, this can result in fines and/or a range of disposals such as Parenting Orders or Community Sentences. Criminal records may be received.
If you have any further questions regarding your child’s attendance at Buckler’s Mead, please see your child’s Pastoral Coordinator.