Reporting an Absence – Lawley Village Academy

Parents/carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly and to notify the school promptly when their child is absent. All absences must be reported in line with the procedures set out below.

 

Informing the School

If your child is unwell, has a medical appointment, or is unable to attend school for another valid reason, parents/carers must report the absence before 8:45am on the first day of absence.

Absences can be reported by speaking to the school office in person, telephoning the school on 01952 951200 or emailing [email protected]

When reporting an absence, please include your child’s full name, class, the reason for the absence and an estimated duration of the absence).  Parents/carers are expected to contact the school each day that their child is absent, unless otherwise agreed.

 

If No Contact Is Made

If a pupil is absent and the school has not been informed by the close of the morning register, administrative staff will contact the parent/carer by telephone on the first day of absence, contact other emergency contacts listed on the school’s Arbor system if necessary.

 

Medical Evidence

In most cases, the school will not request medical evidence for illness-related absences.  However, the school reserves the right to request supporting evidence where there is genuine and reasonable doubt about the authenticity of the illness.  If school is not satisfied, the absence may be recorded as unauthorised, and parents/carers will be notified in advance and home visits may take place.

 

Following Up Absences

The school will follow up all absences in order to:

• Ascertain the reason for the absence

• Ensure appropriate safeguarding actions are taken

• Determine whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised

• Apply the correct attendance code on the school’s Arbor system

 

Safe and Well Checks

In some circumstances, the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and Attendance Officer may visit a pupil’s home to carry out a safe and well check.

These visits:

• May take place whether or not an absence has been reported

• Are intended to support the pupil and their family

• Help ensure pupils feel part of the school community

• May occur more than once during ongoing absences

• May be announced or unannounced, depending on school operational demands