Attendance
Regular school attendance is essential if children are to achieve their full potential.
Bursley Academy believe that regular school attendance is the key to enabling children to maximise the educational opportunities available to them and become emotionally resilient, confident and competent adults who are able to realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to their community.
Parents should advise the school by telephone by 10:00am on the first day of absence and provide the school with an expected date of return. This should be followed up in the form of a written note from the parent/carer, though verbal explanations may be acceptable where this is considered appropriate. Alternative arrangements will be agreed with non-English speaking parents/carers.
Illness: In most cases a telephone call or a note from the parent informing the school that their child is ill will be acceptable. Parents may be asked to provide medical evidence where there are repeated absences due to reported illness. This will usually be in the form of an appointment card, prescription etc.
Medical/Dental Appointments: Parents are advised where possible to make medical and dental appointments outside of the school day. Where this is not possible, pupils should attend school for part of the day. Parents should show the appointment card to school.
Other Authorised Circumstances: This relates to occasions where there is cause for absence due to exceptional circumstances, for example family bereavement, visiting a parent in prison or part time timetable agreed as part of a reintegration package.
Excluded (No alternative provision made): Exclusion from attending school is counted as an authorised absence. The child’s class teacher will make arrangements for work to be sent home.
Family Holidays and Extended Leave: Parents are strongly advised to avoid taking their children on holiday during term time. Parents do not have an automatic right to remove their child from school during term time for the purpose of a holiday and should be made aware that if their child is absent for 10 school days they will miss 5% of their education during that academic year. The Governors at Bursley Academy have indicated that the Principal is to classify any holidays taken during term time as unauthorised absences.Parents wishing to take their child on holiday during term time must send a written letter/request to Mr Wilkinson, Principal, before any holiday arrangements are made. Each request will be considered individually.
Please refer to our full Attendance Policy for further information, including details of fines/penalty notices.
