Going to school regularly is important for your child's future.
Students who often skip school tend to get lower grades and find it harder to get jobs later. Ealing schools want every student to come to school at least 95% of the time.
It is important for children to build good attendance habits from primary school. In the borough, students with poor attendance may:
- perform worse in exams (SATS and GCSEs)
- struggle to make and keep friends
- have trouble with schoolwork
- develop behaviour issues in and out of school
- be more likely to skip school or drop out
- face fewer opportunities for further education and jobs
- find it harder to keep a job
- be more likely to get involved with the police
What parents can do
As a parent, you should:
- avoid unnecessary time off like birthday treats
- book medical appointments after school (if this is not possible, avoid keeping your child off school for the whole day)
- take your child shopping on the weekends, not during school time
- tell the school on the first morning your child is ill and give them a note explaining their absence, when they return to school
- contact the teacher if you are worried about your child's health or bullying
How you can help:
- set up good evening and morning routines so your child is ready to learn
- make sure your child arrives on time
- take an active interest in their schoolwork and homework
- attend parent and curriculum meetings
Time off school
Headteachers cannot grant leave during term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Parents cannot ask for time off for holidays.
Exceptional circumstances
You should check with the school about how to ask for time off in exceptional circumstances. You may need to fill out an application form.
If a child is absent without agreement, it will be marked as unauthorised, which can lead to legal action or a fine. Extended absences may risk your child's place at school.
For emergencies
There may be an emergency when a child needs to leave urgently.
You should tell the school straight away.
Leave must be approved before you take it, and you may need to provide proof to support your request.
Remember:
- only authorised school staff, usually the headteacher, can grant leave of absence
- do not book tickets before discussing with the school
- taking leave for cheaper fares is not considered an exceptional reason
- telling the school does not mean you have permission
- illness claims for late returns after holidays need travel tickets showing dates before school starts. Medical documents from abroad are usually not accepted without travel proof
- if a child is taken out of school without permission, you can get a fixed penalty notice for unauthorised absences
- each parent can be fined £120 per child, reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days (Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2004)
Role of the local council
The council helps parents make sure their children go to school regularly through their support team.
Every primary school in the borough has an education social worker (ESW) who visits schools often. High schools in the borough have their own ESW. The ESW checks attendance records and contacts parents if there are attendance issues that have not been resolved.
The ESW can help families with difficulties, but if attendance does not improve, parents or carers may a face legal action.
The law
According to the law, parents must make sure their children are educated and attend school regularly.
Unauthorised absence is a criminal offence, which can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 or prison.