It's important that your child attends school. It's essential for their well-being as well as for their learning.
You play an important role in ensuring your child attends regularly. Our staff and support services will work with you to help them attend school consistently and on time. Our policy allows us to identify students with low attendance and provide support.
If you have any questions about attendance, contact your child's school or pupil support/guidance teacher. More information is available on the Parent Club website.
Types of absence
Each absence is classed as authorised or unauthorised. Absences are authorised where reasons are considered valid and unauthorised where no explanation, or unacceptable reasons are given.
Authorised absences
We understand that life can present challenges, and there may be times when absence is unavoidable. Let your school know in the first instance. Your child's pupil support teacher/guidance teacher is there to offer support if necessary.
The following reasons are considered acceptable:
- medical or dental appointments
- family bereavements
- holidays where parents are in any Uniformed Services
- participation in a show or event
Unauthorised absences
The following reasons are not considered to be acceptable:
- shopping visits
- days out to theme parks or to attend concerts/shows
- family work commitments or business trips
- holidays taken in term time (including long weekends taken on Fridays and/or Mondays)
Illness
If your child is unable to attend school through illness, you should inform your school. Call the office on the first day of absence, before 9am. You should also let them know the expected return date of your child.
If we do not hear from you, we will contact you to ask where your child is. This is part of our safeguarding responsibilities.
Your school will support you if there are concerns over excessive absence patterns through illness.
Is my child well enough for school?
It can be challenging deciding whether or not to keep your child off school when they're unwell. Public Health Scotland has a helpful guide - Should I keep my child off school or childcare? This may help you decide when your child should attend school or stay at home, based on their symptoms.
Education of children unable to attend school due to ill health
Your child’s learning may be interrupted if they have long-term ill health. This could be for a range of reasons such as:
- accidents or trauma
- chronic, long term, life limiting or terminal conditions
- mental health issues
- conditions that require repeated medical intervention, such as dialysis
In these cases, we would follow the Scottish Government's guidance on Education of children unable to attend school due to ill health.
Common childhood conditions, where prompt return to school is expected, will not normally be covered by this guidance.
