Absence from School
If your child is away from school, please ring us as soon as possible (01142 372768), on the first day of absence to let us know the reason.
There are significant safeguarding implications when the whereabouts of a child is not known. The local authority has a duty to locate, track and monitor children missing from education and support them in returning to education. We recognise our role and responsibility when recording the absence of a child from education and as a proactive measure will ensure that at least two contacts are held for all children on roll where possible. The school will also respond when a child’s whereabouts is unknown and ensure that members of staff are aware of the procedure and its importance when keeping children safe.
Our Response to Absence on Day One
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When a child is absent, a member of our Admin team will contact the parent or carer on the first day of absence, once during the morning and once during the afternoon. See below for our Absence Response Pathway.
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Response from parent |
School Response |
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Parent answers the call and explains why the child is absent from school |
Admin staff reminds the parent of their responsibility to contact school when their child is ill. Absence is recorded on CPOMS
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There is no answer at the home, on mobile numbers and on the emergency contact number |
Admin staff leaves a message, requesting that school is contacted as soon as possible. Absence is recorded on CPOMS. |
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Someone who is not the parent of carer answers the phone. School is not reassured that the child is at home or safe. |
The DSL or a member of the Safeguarding Team should be consulted for advice and next steps. Absence is recorded on CPOMS. |
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The parent or carer answers the call but says that the child is not with them and they are worried |
Admin staff will pass the call to the DSL or a member of the Safeguarding team who will advise the parent or carer to: Contact the police Contact any relative or friend who might know where the child is Report back to school if the child is found. This is recorded on CPOMS. |
If the child is open to Children’s Services, and the child is absent without authorisation, the DLS or a member of the Safeguarding Team will make contact with the child’s allocated worker on the first day of absence. We will always assess the child’s safeguarding risk at their home address. For example if there is a risk of forced marriage, Child Sexual Exploitation, domestic abuse, radicalisation or honour based violence and a child is absent without authorisation, the school will contact the police or social care.
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Our Response to Absence on Day Two If satisfactory contact was not made on day one of absence, a member of the admin team will telephone the parents again. If contact still cannot be made this will be discussed with the DSL or a member of the Safeguarding Team who will make a decision on the degree of vulnerability of the child and decide if further action is required on that day. This is recorded on CPOMS.
Our Response to Absence on Day Three If satisfactory contact was not been made on day two of absence the Attendance Lead will write to, email or text the parent or carer asking for contact to be made with the school immediately (Appendix seven) Parents or carers will then be given three working days to make contact. This is recorded on CPOMS.
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