Absence Procedures

• If you know in advance of any reason why your child is likely to be absent from school, please tell someone at the school, telephone us or let us know in writing. 
• Notify the school first thing in the morning when your child is going to be absent. Let the school know the likely date of return and keep them informed if the date changes.

This information also applies to medical or other appointments.

Parents and carers should also follow the information below:

• Inform the school of any change to the following:

- Home telephone number

- Mobile number

- Emergency contact details

• Requests for your child to be absent from school to make an extended visit to relatives must be made in writing to the head teacher, detailing the reason, destination and duration of absence and arrangements for their continuing education. On these occasions the pupil will be marked as an authorised absentee in the register.

Family Holidays during Term Time:

• Every effort should be taken to avoid family holidays during term time as this both disrupts the child’s education and reduces learning time. If holidays are taken during times when the school is open parents should inform the school in advance by letter.
• If your child is taken on a family holiday during term time, then in line with the Scottish Government advice this will be classified as an unauthorised absence. However, in exceptional circumstances schools may register a family holiday during term time as an authorised absence when for example, parents are unable to obtain leave during the school holiday period.

Clearly, absence with no explanation from parents will mean that the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.

In our approach to raising achievement it is recognised that attendance at school is something that should be continuously encouraged. Parents/carers, children and the school all have a part to play in encouraging and stressing the importance of attendance at school.