Attending School

School Attendance

Good school attendance plays a vital role in children and young people achieving their full potential. There is a clear link between regular attendance, punctuality, and positive educational outcomes. When children miss school, they can fall behind in their learning, particularly where key skills and knowledge build over time.

The Virtual School works closely with schools, carers, and professionals to promote excellent attendance and ensure that Children in Care (CiC) are supported to access their education consistently.

 

Leave of Absence During Term Time

National regulations state that Headteachers may not authorise leave during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Wherever possible, absences should be avoided so that children can benefit fully from their educational opportunities.

For Children in Care, absences should only take place for the reasons outlined below, with clear communication between carers, schools, and social workers.

 

Authorised Reasons for Absence

Illness

  • For illness of up to 7 school days, foster carers or the child’s primary carer should: 
    • Contact the school by telephone on the first day of absence, and
    • Provide written confirmation when the child returns to school.
  • Longer periods of illness should be supported by a GP or medical certificate.
  • The child’s Social Worker must be informed of the absence and the reason.
  • If a child is absent for more than 10 school days, the Social Worker should work with: 
    • The carer,
    • The school,
    • The child, and
    • Other relevant professionals
      to understand:
    • Why the absence has occurred,
    • How the child will return to education, and
    • What support is needed to help them catch up on missed learning.

 

Medical and Dental Appointments

Schools may authorise absence for medical or dental appointments during the school day. However, appointments should be arranged outside school hours wherever possible to minimise disruption to learning.

 

Education Off Site

Where a child attends education off site, the main (originating) school remains responsible for attendance monitoring. The child will be recorded as attending education elsewhere.

Examples include:

  • Part-time placement at a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) or Special School,
  • Work experience placements,
  • Alternative or individual tuition.

If the child is absent from their off-site provision, the carer must inform the provider on the first day of absence, explaining the reason.

 

Children in Care (CiC) Reviews and Meetings

CiC reviews and related meetings are usually authorised by schools. However, these should be arranged outside school hours wherever possible to support consistent attendance.

 

Other Authorised Absences

Schools may also authorise absence for:

  • Religious observance,
  • Interviews,
  • Approved study leave (up to 15 days, arranged by the school, to support preparation for Year 11 examinations),
  • School trips and other approved educational activities,
  • Family bereavement,
  • Family time arrangements where these cannot reasonably take place outside school hours.

 

Useful Resources and Further Guidance