Unplanned absence

The pupil’s parent/carer must notify the school of the reason for the absence on each day of an unplanned absence by 8.30am or as soon as practically possible by calling the academy office team members. A pupil absence can be reported via the absence email absence@robsackwoodprimaryacademy.org.uk or a voice message left on the absence line (01424 853521 – option 2). Details of the reason for absence need to be included as well as the pupil’s full name and class name, as well as Parent name and contact details.

We will mark absence due to illness as authorised unless the academy has a genuine concern about the authenticity of the illness. If the authenticity of the illness is in doubt, the academy may ask the pupil’s parent/carer to provide medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note, prescription, appointment card or other appropriate form of evidence.

We will not ask for medical evidence unnecessarily. If the academy is not satisfied about the authenticity of the illness, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and parents/carers will be notified.

Planned Absence

Attending a medical or dental appointment will be counted as authorised if the pupil’s parent/carer notifies the academy in advance of the appointment.

If a pupil is present at registration but has a medical appointment during the session in question, no absence needs be recorded for that session.

We encourage parents/carers to make medical and dental appointments out of academy hours where possible. Where this is not possible, the pupil should be out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary.

The pupil’s parent/carer must also apply for other types of term-time absence as far in advance as possible of the requested absence.

To request a leave of absence, parents and carers need to complete a ‘request For withdrawal from learning during term time’ online. This can be found by clicking here