Missing school is missing out. All pupils are expected to meet the minimum target of 96%. Any pupils not meeting the target will be followed up by the school’s attendance officer.

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If you know that your child will be away from school for a genuine reason, e.g. illness or medical appointment, you must inform school. You will need to contact the school office everyday your child is absent by telephoning 01902 558375 or by text message or email to fallingsparkprimaryschool@wolverhampton.gov.uk

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If you are unsure if your child is well enough for school, please look at the following website for advice https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

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Appointments

If it is necessary for a child to leave school during the school day for a medical appointment; you must inform the school office and provide evidence of the appointment.

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School action if your child is absent

If you have not contacted the school, the office will contact you via the schools messaging service and this will be followed up with a telephone call. If we are unable to make contact, a home visit will be conducted by our Attendance Officer.

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If attendance continues to be a cause for concern, you will be contacted by our Education Welfare Officer via letter and you may be invited to a meeting. If there is no improvement in attendance the Education Welfare Officer will take appropriate action.

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Leave of Absence

School term dates are available on our school website and on the Wolverhampton City Council website.

You should arrange your family holidays during school holiday times. The school does not grant leave of absence for family holidays.

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If you chose to take your child out of school during term time, then a referral to the Local Authority for a fixed penalty notice will be made.

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Penalty Notice

Penalty Notice (fine) or consideration of immediate prosecution in the Magistrates court under section 444 of the Education Act 1996 for failing to ensure your child’s regular attendance at school.

 

A Penalty Notice may be issued to each parent/carer, for each child at:

 

First offence: £80 if paid within 21 days, which will then increase to £160 if paid within 28 days.

 

Second Offence (within 3 years of the First Offence): Where it is deemed appropriate to issue a second Penalty Notice to the same parent for the same pupil within 3 years of the first notice, the second Penalty Notice will be charged at £160 to be paid within 28 days. Please note that if the fine is not paid within 28 days or the Local Authority proceed straight to court action you are likely to be prosecuted under S444.1 of the Education Act 1996. The maximum fine the court can impose for a first offence is £1,000 per parent per child.

 

Subsequent offence (within 3 years of the first offence): The Local Authority will proceed straight to court action you are likely to be prosecuted under S444.1 of the Education Act 1996. The maximum fine the court can impose for a first offence is £1,000 per parent per child.

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If you have a history of offences of this nature you may be prosecuted under Section 444(1A) Education Act 1996 and the court can fine you up to £2,500 per child, order payment of the prosecution costs, impose a Parenting Order and/or sentence you to a period of imprisonment of up to 3 months. This reflects the seriousness of unauthorised absence from school.

 

Persistent Absence

The Department for Education’s definition of persistent absence is ‘any child whose attendance falls below 90%. Any child whose attendance below 90% is classed as persistent absentee and must be referred to the education welfare officer this may lead to a fine or further court action.’

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