Attendance
REPORTING ABSENCE FOR ILLNESS
If your child is going to be absent from school due to illness, on the first day of absence (and any consecutive days thereafter) parents/carers are required to report the absence providing as much information as possible by either:
- Calling and leaving a message on the schools Absence Line (01268 792133)
- Reporting via the School Gateway app
- Emailing the school office (admin@kentshill-jun.essex.sch.uk)
TERM TIME HOLIDAYS
Following guidance from Essex County Council and The Government, the Headteacher can no longer,
Authorise holidays
Authorise leave of absence
Authorise occasions, for example, Weddings or other family events
Medical appointments with evidence will be considered.
Where families choose to take a family holiday during term time, this can detrimentally impact a pupil's progress and can prevent them from fulfilling their true academic potential. Our School Attendance Policy clearly sets our the process that parents/carers should follow if they wish to apply for leave during term time.
Please note that applications should only be made, if you feel that there are exceptional circumstances which mean that the leave cannot be taken during the school holidays.
We would ask all parents to note that, where families choose to go on holiday during term time and the absences are coded as unauthorised, Essex County Council may not issue penalty notices and may instead proceed to prosecution and place the case directly before the Magistrates for their consideration in court. If found guilty by the Magistrates, parents could face a fine of up to £2,500 and/or 3 months imprisonment.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE - SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
In the event that you need to request leave of absence for your child due to special circumstances for example; attending a funeral, immediate family wedding or approved sporting events, a form must be completed and the Head Teacher will give consideration to this.