The Woodland Federation of Peak District Schools believes that for children to flourish and achieve their true potential, good attendance is essential. Pupils cannot fully flourish and achieve their true potential if they do not regularly attend school.

Poor attendance is the single most significant factor in underachievement. If a child is absent from school, then they are missing learning.

We are committed to:
• Following the framework set in Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 which states that:

‘the parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him / her to receive efficient full-time education suitable:-

(a) to age, ability and aptitude and
(b) to any special educational needs he/ she may have

Either by regular attendance at school or otherwise’.

• Promoting and modelling good attendance behaviour.
• Ensuring equality and fairness of treatment for all.
• Implementing our policies within the Equality Act
• Early intervention and working with other agencies to ensure the health and safety of our pupils
• Rewarding regular attendance.

Term Time Leave of Absence

The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 as amended by Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2013 state:

Head Teachers shall not grant any leave of absence during term time unless:

• An application has been made in advance, by the parent with whom the child normally resides AND
• They consider there to be exceptional circumstances relating to the application.

It is not possible to produce a list of what is considered an exceptional circumstance. All requests are treated on an individual basis.

Examples of circumstances that may not be considered exceptional are:

• Availability of cheap holidays and cheap travel arrangements
• Days overlapping with the beginning or end of term

To make an application for leave of absence during term time, parents/carers should speak to the headteacher and complete a leave of absence form clearly detailing reasons for absence.  This will then be considered.

Applications cannot be granted retrospectively.