School attendance

Illness

If your child is ill, you need to tell the school as soon as possible:

what the illness is
whether the child has seen a doctor
how long you expect them to be absent
If you need school staff to give your children medicine, you need to give them written consent. The Department for Education offers more information on medicine in school.

Term-time holidays

You can only take your children out of school during term for exceptional circumstances – such as family weddings or bereavements. It is up to the school to decide.

For more information about taking your child out of school during term time, read our Leave of absence in term time guidance here.

School absence

If a parent or member of the public is concerned a child is not going to school, or does not have a school place, they can contact the Children Missing Education team for support, advice and guidance by emailing cme@brighterfuturesforchildren.org or calling 0118 937 3343.

Education settings can download the poster on the right to display for signposting.

Exclusions

Children can be excluded from school for a fixed term – anything up to 45 days in a school year – or, if the situation is very serious, permanently.

Guidance and information about exclusions can be found on the Reading Services Guide.