What is an unauthorised absence?

Unauthorised absence from school

Unauthorised absence is when a school is not satisfied with the reasons given for the absence.

 Reasons that will be unauthorised without discussion include;

• Shopping trips
  • including for school uniform
• ​​​​​​​Haircut
• Birthdays
• To act as an interpreter for a parent or carers appointment
  • Almost all services will be able to provide an interpreter for your appointment. You should request an interpreter at the time of booking.
• ​​​​​​​To greet or say goodbye to visiting friends or relatives
• To look after younger siblings
  • ​​​​​​​In some cases, this could put your child and the child they are looking after at risk of harm, and the school will consider whether a child protection response is necessary.
• ​​​​​​​Because you are expecting a visitor or delivery to your home​​​​​​​
• To go on holiday
  • ​​​​​​​Visits abroad may be considered if there are exceptional circumstances. In this case, you should speak to Mrs Briggs, Mrs Blakemore or Mrs Sutton and complete a request for leave form. All requests are treated on their individual merit.