Attendance at Downsbrook

Here at Downsbrook we are proactive in encouraging the highest standards of attendance and punctuality.  We have a clear Attendance Policy which outlines our approach to addressing attendance issues.  

We believe that high levels of attendance are directly linked to pupil attainment and fulfilling potential. Excellent attendance and a punctual start to the school day are important to all children and the smooth running of our school.  We will encourage parents/carers to ensure that their child achieves maximum possible attendance and that any problems which prevent this are identified and addressed quickly. 

Children who regularly miss school without good reason are more likely to become isolated from their peers and friends, to underachieve in examinations and or become involved in anti-social behaviours.

There may be occasions when a child has to miss school – for example if they are unwell, should my child attend school today?, or if they have mental health issues, Young Minds offers useful information to parents on emotionally-based school avoidance (ESBA) or anxiety-related absence. Any other absences should be kept to an absolute minimum. In particular, parents must avoid taking their children out of school during term time in order to go on holiday. The school would rather work with parents on any attendance issues.  

Through maintaining a robust approach to attendance we want to do all we can to give every child every chance of success.  

Our Attendance Champion is Joe Neale - Deputy Headteacher

DPS Attendance Policy 2024

Parents guide to improving school attendance

Leave of Absence Request form 2024

Fixed Penalty Notice Leaflet

Studybugs

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

The law makes it clear that parents do not have any right or entitlement to take a child out of school for the purpose of a term time holiday. The regulations do state that Headteachers may, in certain special circumstances, grant up to 10 school days leave in a school year, but parents should not expect such leave to be granted as a right. Indeed at the federation as of October 2007, in most cases Headteachers will refuse to authorise leave. The Government’s own guidance on the issue of term-time holidays states:

"PARENTS SHOULD NOT NORMALLY TAKE PUPILS ON HOLIDAY DURING TERM TIME".

HOW WE DEAL WITH REQUESTS FOR TERM-TIME HOLIDAYS

Our school has a very strict policy about term time holidays. Our policy is to refuse all applications for holidays during term time. The law clearly states that a parent has no right to expect 10 days of holiday absence and that it is at the discretion of the school.

WHY HAVE WE MADE THIS DECISION?

We are judged for our attendance figures by OfSTED at each inspection, and we are required by law to publish our attendance figures to the Department for Children and Schools. As a school, we do not accept that our children will miss out on their education due to holidays during term time. The school term dates leave plenty of time for holidays.  

HOW TO APPLY FOR SPECIAL LEAVE DURING TERM TIME

Please visit the school office and ask for a special leave form – this must be done with as much as notice as possible, in advance of your proposed leave dates. Fill in the form for the attention of the Head of School. You should expect to hear from us within 5 working days. Term time holidays will NOT BE GRANTED unless there are exceptional circumstances which might justify it and your child has an attendance  of 96% or above. 

 SW Leave of Absence Form 2024

WHAT ARE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES?

It is the decision of the Head of School as to what might constitute exceptional circumstances and each request for term time leave will be considered on an individual basis.

Exceptional leave is NOT:

• Availability of cheap holidays

• Availability of desired accommodation

• Poor weather experienced during school holiday periods

• Overlap with the beginning or end of term.

Exceptional leave MAY be:

• Grandparent or other close relative is seriously ill – and you must leave in an emergency

• Significant trauma in the family recently and a holiday will benefit the child – usually backed up by a doctor’s referral

• A one-off, never to be repeated occasion that can only happen at that time, e.g. wedding/funeral.

• Educational experience for the child offered by a regional or national organisation, e.g. filming for a TV commercial or a ballet exam.

BUT THE SCHOOL HAS AUTHORISED MY SPECIAL LEAVE – WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

If we do authorise a special leave of absence under exceptional circumstances, you must understand the likely educational impact upon your child. We will also explain what work your child will miss at school, and agree with you how this may be addressed, either during the holiday or upon your return. Taking work with you on special leave is no substitution for classroom teaching.

If we do authorise your leave you will receive the approved special leave form signed by the Head of School. A copy will be kept in the file in the office for our records. 

This letter is your proof that the special leave has been authorised – so it is important you keep it safe should you need to show it to our members of staff.

MY REQUEST WAS REFUSED - WHAT IF I DECIDE TO GO ANYWAY? 

If your child is out of school for more than 10 sessions in a 10 week period you may be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice. 

A GUIDE TO FIXED PENALTY NOTICES

In common with other schools in the locality, including Downsbrook Primary School, Fixed Penalty Notices may be issued by West Sussex County Council to families where a child has missed at least 5 days of school in a ten-week period without authorisation.

• From August 2024, the cost of a FPN is raising to £160 with the opportunity to pay this at a lower rate of £80 in the first 21 days. This will relate to any unauthorised absence which occurs after 19 August 2024. Absence prior to this date will lead to FPNs being issued at the £120 rate with an opportunity to pay at a lower rate of £60 if paid within the first 21 days.
• In some circumstances, the ability to pay the lower amount is not available.
• An escalation process is to be introduced. When a parent has received two FPNs in a three year period, the offer of a FPN will not be available. Instead, the matter will either be allocated to an Investigating Officer or referred to the Magistrates' court. Please note if the absence related to holidays in term time, the case is likely to go before the Magistrates' court.

FPN Leaflet - Aug 2024

For further information please contact:  

Pupil Entitlement: Investigation
Fixed Penalty Notice Team
West Sussex County Council 
2nd Floor Centenary House 
Durrington Lane 
Worthing 
West Sussex 
BN13 2QB 
Advice Line Phone: 03302 228200
Email: FPN.EWS@westsussex.gov.uk

West sussex Fixed Penalty Information Page