Absence
A child not attending school is considered a safeguarding matter. That is why information about the cause of any absence is always required.
First day absence
Parents should telephone or email the school on the first day of absence as soon as possible, but before 8:30am. Parents should continue to telephone or email the school on every day of absence until the child returns to The Epiphany School unless advised otherwise by the school. If the school has not been contacted by parents/carers to give a reason for pupil absence, the school will telephone parents on their emergency contact numbers to establish a reason for absence
Third day absence
If contact has not been established with any of the named parents/carers after three days of absence, contact will be made with known friends and wider family. School staff may also visit the family home.
Ten days’ absence
The school has a legal duty to report the absence of any pupil who is absent without an explanation for 10 consecutive days. If the child is not seen and contact has not been established with the named parent then the local authority is notified that the child is at risk of missing. Children’s Services staff will visit the last known address and alert key services to locate the child. Parents/carers will receive regular reminders to provide an up to date contact number in The Epiphany School newsletter throughout the year.
Is my child too ill for school?
There will be times when it is clear your child is too unwell to attend school. However, we know that early mornings can often amplify symptoms which do wear off through the day after paracetamol or other medicine. Children can attend school with a cold and other minor respiratory symptoms. Children with a temperature should not attend school. Further details can be found on the NHS website.