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Statutory information

Attendance

Attendance at school and legal intervention

Where parents decide to have their child registered at school, they have an additional legal duty to ensure their child attends that school regularly.

Research commissioned by the Department for Education shows missing school for even a day can mean a child is less likely to achieve good grades, which can have a damaging effect on their life chances.  At Litcham School our aim is to work with parents to ensure that all our pupils receive the most from their education and reach their full potential.  

This letter is to remind all parents about the law that requires them to ensure that their child attends school regularly.  The Government is very clear that no child should miss school apart from in exceptional circumstances and schools must take steps to reduce absence to support children’s attainment.

Attendance at school and legal intervention >


Request for Student Leave of Absence

Government Directive: You are required under the Education Act (1996) to ensure your child attends school regularly. Leave of absence is only granted in exceptional circumstances during term time. Schools should not authorise absence if they believe it is to the detriment of a student’s education, or if is during the examination periods.

Before requesting an application, we would ask that you consider how the absence will affect your child’s education. National statistics show 10 days absence in an academic year does have a negative effect on attainment. Schools are not obliged to provide work for students taking leave of absence, however some may choose to do this.

The Government advises that any refusal of leave must be recorded as unauthorised absence on the student’s records. As you may be aware, an accumulation of unauthorised absences may result in either a Fixed Penalty Notice or legal proceedings against you at the Magistrates’ Court. The Academy will discuss with the Local Authority any cases of unauthorised absence and whether the issuing of a Penalty Notice would be appropriate.

Please contact a member of our Reception Team to request a leave of absence application form reception@litchamschool.net / 01328 702005.


Attendance Policy >

Our Schools

Synergy Multi-Academy Trust comprises fifteen Norfolk schools serving children between the ages of 2 and 18. Our schools work collaboratively together to raise standards and provide education of the highest possible standard, offering the best of opportunities for pupils. The Trust was initially established in 2015. We believe that all of our schools have strengths and areas to develop, and that all can improve through sharing expertise and wisdom. The Trust understands that there will be excellent practice in each school, and that every school will be able to contribute to the development of the Trust as a whole.

Our Schools

Synergy Multi-Academy Trust comprises fifteen Norfolk schools serving children between the ages of 2 and 18. Our schools work collaboratively together to raise standards and provide education of the highest possible standard, offering the best of opportunities for pupils. The Trust was initially established in 2015. We believe that all of our schools have strengths and areas to develop, and that all can improve through sharing expertise and wisdom. The Trust understands that there will be excellent practice in each school, and that every school will be able to contribute to the development of the Trust as a whole.