All parents and carers will understand that regular attendance at school is necessary for children to make good progress with their education. Therefore, we trust that family holidays will be arranged in the school holiday periods.  Absence requests can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.  The Educational Welfare Officer visits the school and checks unauthorised absence and an application can be made for a Penalty Notice to be issued in accordance with the code of conduct. If you do need to request a leave of absence for your child, requests should be made by the parent or carer and this form should be handed in or emailed to the office for consideration by the Co-heads. 

Please see the below poster from Osborne Cooperative Trust and Thurrock Local Authority regarding school attendance. Many of you will be aware of this as it has been well-publicised in the national news and social media however, we would like to draw your attention to the new statutory framework from the Department for Education to which all schools must adhere, from 19th August 2024. Therefore, any holidays or unauthorised absences taken after this date will be subject to the new penalty notices. Please note that the Department For Education have removed the Headteachers’ authority to code any absence as an authorised holiday. Schools must adhere to the statutory framework. If you have any queries about your child’s attendance or the new DfE statutory framework, please contact the school office.