Q: How do I let the school know if my child is poorly and can’t come to school?
A: Please phone the school on 01604 655860 and leave a message or email the office before 9am marije.tilley@prestonhedges.org
Q: How do I request time off for my child?
A: If your child/children need time off school, please complete this form: PHT Absence Request Form
Q: What absences are allowed?
A: We follow government guidance on which absences are allowed from school. These are:
- Sickness/illness
- Emergency and planned medical appointments
- Days for specific religious observance
There are also other permitted absences in exceptional circumstances which are at the discretion of the headteacher. These are:
- Compassionate grounds
- Family wedding / civil partnership taking place on a school day
- Family crisis
- Examinations off-site
- Educational opportunity – sport and performance
- Attendance at an event at the request of a public organisation
- Visit to a new school
- Family relocation visit
All these can be requested via the PHT Absence form: PHT Absence Request Form
Q: Which absences are not allowed?
A: In line with national guidelines and regulations, the following absences are not authorised:
- Family holidays regardless of length
- Family trips
- Leaving school early to travel to an event
Please be aware that any holiday in term time will be treated as unauthorised and could result in a fine from the local authority.
The new National Framework for penalty notices for school absence came into effect from the 19th August 2024 and now includes:
“If you take your child out of school for 5 days (10 sessions) or more of unauthorised absence in a 10 week period during term time, we will consider a referral to the Local Authority for consideration of legal action. This could include:
- A Penalty Notice payable up to £160 fine
A national limit of two penalty notices can be issued to a parent for the same child within a rolling three year period, so on the third (or subsequent) offence(s) another tool must be considered, such as prosecution or another attendance legal intervention. This could include:
Prosecution under s444 (1) Education Act 1996, where if convicted you may be fined up to £1000.
Prosecution under s444 (1) (a) Education Act 1996, where if convicted you may be fined up to £2,500 and/or 3 months imprisonment.
Our Attendance Policy has been updated in line with the new National Framework for Penalty Notice’s, a copy can be found in the Policies section of this website. Please ensure you make yourself aware of the policy.
We believe good attendance is essential to support your child in getting the most out of their education and we thank you for your continued support.
