The Education Welfare Officer checks the registers for lateness or unexplained absence, and may follow up findings with letters or home visits. This is an essential service to protect children who may be in trouble of some kind. If a child is ill, parents should telephone the same day to tell us about the absence.

We strongly discourage parents from taking holidays in term time. There is no automatic entitlement. Requests must be made on a school form to the Head Teacher, who will consider the child’s educational progress before making a decision. However, holidays during term time are very unlikely to be authorised

All absences are classified as ‘authorised’ or ‘unauthorised’. Authorised absences are for illness or for which leave of absence has been obtained from the Head Teacher. Unauthorised absence is classified as truancy and can have serious consequences.

The Education Welfare Service also provides for needs such as free dinners. Applications are dealt with in strict confidence, and if parents think they may be entitled they should speak to the secretary.