Shelley Primary School

Absence and Attendance

In accordance with our Attendance Policy and government guidelines we are unable to authorise holidays in term time.  Absence will be authorised only in exceptional circumstances, or where there is a valid reason such as religious observance, illness or medical appointment.

We strive for high educational standards and are very proud to achieve them.  Children will not be able to access this if they are not in school. 

There is no legal right to Leave of Absence during term time.  Absence during term time can have a negative impact on a child’s educational progress.  Term time leave for any reason should be avoided wherever possible.  

In line with national guidelines, we will not authorise any absence for holiday.  Parents and carers must be aware that taking a pupil out of school without authorisation is classified as UNAUTHORISED.  The school will not require staff to set work for pupils who are absent from school through unauthorised absence or authorised leave and will not be obliged to cover the work missed with the pupil upon their return as this may be to the detriment of the education of the rest of the class.

A form to request leave can be downloaded from our website or collected from the School Office.  We ask you to give great thought before embarking upon this course of action.

Department for Education guidance can be found by following the link below:

Web icon Department for Education - School Attendance and Absence

West Sussex County Council guidance and further information can be found by following the link below:

Web icon West Sussex County Council - School Absences

 If you wish to request authorised absence for your child please use the form below.  Paper copies of this form are available from the school office.

Word icon Absence Request Form

Please click on the link below to see NHS guidance which informs school policies:

Web icon NHS guidance on sickness

Please see below for our attendance monitoring escalation process:

PDF icon Shelley Primary Attendance Monitoring Escalation Process

A brief guide to fixed penalty notices