Truancy: a parents guide
Authorised absence
Only schools can authorise a child's absence, following guidelines set out by the Local Authority and the Department for Children, Schools and Families. There are very few reasons why absence may be authorised and they include:
- Sickness that requires the child to stay off
- Days of religious observance
- Exceptional family circumstances, eg. bereavement
- Medical appointment (but only for the duration of the child's appointment).
Contents of Truancy: a parents guide
- What every parent has to know
- The importance of regular school attendance
- What the law says
- Your responsibilities as a parent
- Authorised absence (this page)
- Unauthorised absence
- Taking family holidays during term-time
- Tips for good attendance
- How the authorities deal with truancy
- Legal interventions
- Penalty Notices
- The offence of failing to ensure regular school attendance
- Frequently asked questions
