We understand that there will be occasions when your child is too unwell to attend school or when, on an exceptionally rare occasion, there is a family emergency. 

Planned Absence
If you know that your child will not be attending school in the near future, for any reason, you must complete a 'Leave of Absence' form. These are available from the school office.  They must be completed in advance of the absence and provide a detailed reason for the absence, as well as including any relevant supporting documents. 

The law only permits schools to authorise absences under exceptional circumstances and absences of 5 days or more will be referred to Missing in Education and Child Employment Services (MECES), who may issue a Penalty Notice, which incurs a fine. Likewise, absence from school without submitting a leave request will be referred to Essex who will determine if a penalty notice will be issued. This includes absence of 5 days or more when we have been informed of an illness but we have learnt that the absence is actually due to a holiday. 

Absence will be authorised for children whose parents are travelling for work and take their children with them as long as proof of work is provided and the children take and complete school work with them. If evidence of work is not provided or school work is not taken and completed, the absence will be unauthorised. This may result in a penalty notice. 

Headteachers are not permitted to authorise absences for holidays, days out, birthdays, beauty treatments or travel to or from events. 
 

Unplanned Absence
If your child is unable to attend school due to illness, please telephone or email the school office by 9am on the first day of absence. A message can be left on the absence voicemail service.  You are required to provide medical evidence to support the absence if your child's absence is persistent. Illness is determined by the guidance issued from Essex County Council and the NHS. If your child is kept away from school for illness not recognised by Essex and the NHS the absence will not be authorised. 

The guide below is used by the school to determine if absence due to illness is authorised or unauthorised. Equally, it informs parents of what to do if their child is unwell. 

Absence from school is a matter of safeguarding. There are robust procedures in place. Non-contact will likely result from a school visit followed by us contacting Essex Police if contact cannot be made. 

Please ensure that the school has a working telephone number for you and any of your contacts. 

Our staff have the right to work in safety and without abuse. Action will be taken if parents do not respect the staff. This may include being banned from the school site or the incident being reported to Essex Police. 

Phone: 01268 765905 (option 1 for absence)
Email: pupilabsence@northcrescent.org