Attendance and Absence: The world is run by those who turn up.10 September 2024 (by Hayley Armstrong (admin)) |
During August, the DfE have updated their guidance around school attendance. There has been increasing concern around rates of absence for some pupils which has a huge impact on the future life chances of young people. On August 19th a new guidance model was introduced which sets out measures which all schools must follow to help support attendance. The guidelines are more prescriptive and have more enforcements than previous guidance when pupils are absent from school for reasons which are not authorised. There has been a lot of focus on fines in the news, which are used as a last resort.
Schools have very strict criteria which sets out when we can grant permission for absence. We are only able to authorise absence for certain circumstances.
The DfE does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance.
Headteachers are bound by law to follow the guidance the DfE has set out.
You an find out more about attendance and absence on the school website: www.andoversford.gloucs.sch.uk Where you can also find an update letter from the Local Authority.
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