Pupil Absence or Late Arrival
If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please complete the Pupil Absence form by clicking on the following link:
– Pupil Absence Form –
You do not then need to telephone school. We will contact you if further information is required. We politely request that messages about a pupil absence are not left on the school answer machine.
Good Attendance at New Oscott Primary School
There are 190 days in a school year which leaves 175 days to spend on family time, shopping, appointments and other things.
New Oscott Primary School do not authorise absences for family holidays during term time. A referral to the local authority legal intervention team may be considered if you choose to take your child out of school during term time.
New Oscott Primary School will only grant a leave of absence to a pupil during term time if they consider there to be ‘exceptional circumstances’. A leave of absence is granted at the Head Teacher’s discretion, including the length of time the pupil is authorised to be absent for.
For leave to be granted, applications MUST be submitted in advance, and will be considered in line with the guidance from Birmingham City Council and the DfE.
We define ‘exceptional circumstances’ as;
- Death of parent/carer or sibling of the pupil
- Life threatening or critical illness of parent or sibling of the pupil
- Parent/carer recuperation and convalescence from critical illness or surgery (leave request to be made within 6 months of recovery and medical evidence required)
- Leave for armed forces personnel who are prevented by operational duties to take their leave at any other time.
The school considers each application for term-time absence individually, taking into account the specific facts, circumstances and relevant context behind the request. Family emergencies need careful consideration. It is not always in the best interests of the pupil nor appropriate for them to miss school for family emergencies that are being dealt with by adult family members. School and school relationships can provide pupils with stability and care during difficult times.
The following are not considered ‘exceptional’;
- Availability of cheap flights and/or holidays
- Availability of desired accommodation
- Parent/carer work commitments
- Poor weather experienced during school holiday periods
- Overlap with the beginning or end of term, half term.
Need help with your child’s attendance?
Please email or call the school office and ask for a member of the Pastoral Team to contact you. We will work with you to help improve your child’s attendance. Please visit our policies page to view our attendance policies.
Regardless of the reason, if your child is absent from school, it will impact on their learning.
Parents/carers are legally responsible for ensuring their child attends school on time every day.
The easiest way to ensure your child attends school on time every day is to establish a GOOD EVENING AND MORNING ROUTINE – if the mornings are hectic in your household, prepare as much as possible the night before. School can signpost you to Early Help (or click here) to refer yourself.
Medical appointments
Where possible all appointments should be booked outside of school hours. If this is not possible, come to school before and/or after your appointment.
Too ill to attend school?
Children can attend school with minor ailments (toothache, headache, stomach ache, cold, sore throat) over the counter medicines can be given before school. School will contact you if they become too ill to remain in school.
If you are unsure if your child can attend or when they can return, please contact the school office who will be able to advise you.
Absence during term time
Children must not be absent from school for :
- day trips
- shopping
- birthdays
- parent/carer or sibling illnes
It is a parent/carer’s responsibility to notify school if their child is absent. A reason must be provided. Any child with attendance below 90% regardless of the reason for the absence is considered to be a persistent absentee. This equates to just 2 days each month.
Statistics show that persistent absentees are less likely to achieve their full potential. Unauthorised leave in term time (holidays) Holiday in term time will be unauthorised except in exceptional circumstances. Holiday request forms are available from the school office. Fines of £80 per parent/carer, per child may be issued where unauthorised leave has been taken during term time.
We actively work to monitor and improve attendance at our school.