School attendance

The school's headteacher is the only person who can authorise absence. They'll consider the individual circumstances when deciding whether to authorise your child's absence.

If your child is ill

If your child is ill and unable to go to school, you need to:

• tell the school as soon as possible on the first day they’re ill
• continue to contact the school each day they’re ill
• provide medical evidence to the school, where possible

Extra support is available if your child cannot go to school for long periods because of a health issue. Contact the school for further information and advice.

Find further guidance about when to keep your child off school (NHS)

Medical and dental appointments

Your child may miss school for urgent medical or dental treatment, but you must:

•  inform the school
• provide an appointment card or letter where possible

For non-urgent medical or dental appointments, avoid taking your child out of school – this disrupts their school day. Try to schedule appointments after school or during school holidays. If an appointment during school hours is unavoidable, tell the school in advance.

Other reasons for keeping your child off school

You must get permission from the headteacher if you want to take your child out of school for any other reason. Schools only give permission in exceptional circumstances.

You can be fined for taking your child out of school without the headteacher's permission. For example, if you want to take them on holiday. This is treated as an unauthorised absence.