At Cheriton Primary School, it is our belief that pupils with a high level of school attendance are more likely to enjoy learning, achieve better examination results and are less likely to miss out on the opportunities afforded to them.

Pupils with good school attendance are more likely to benefit from education and go on to have more successful careers. Similarly, irregular or poor attendance at school can lead to pupils underachieving and underperforming.

Absences should be kept to a minimum. If you are unsure whether your child should come to school, please click on the link below to go to the NHS website:

Should your child go to school today?

The school does not support taking a holiday in term time and parents are strongly requested to avoid doing so.

For any absence that is not illness or a medical appointment, a ‘Request to authorise absence from school due to exceptional circumstances’ form must be completed. The form should be received at least a week before the period for which you are seeking authorisation. The completed form setting out your reasons must be returned to the school office.

The following all count as unauthorised absence:

• sickness of a parent, or other family member;
• inadequate clothing for school;
• child being used as a carer;
• problems with transport;
• school refusal or truancy;
• days off for birthdays, shopping trips and family holidays.

Penalty notices (fines of £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, or £160 per parent, per child if not paid within the 21 days) can be issued for unauthorised absences totalling 10 sessions or more days in any 50-day period.