We believe that excellent school attendance is central to a child's outcomes.  We want children to love being in school and are committed to working with parents to ensure that all children have a happy, healthy experience of life at St Joseph's.  You can read more about our approach to attendance in our policy, attached at the bottom of this page.  

Unplanned Absence

For each day your child is absent from school, for any unplanned reason (e.g. illness), you must telephone the School Office on 01483 888401 to explain the absence.  Any ‘unofficial’ absence (i.e. unexplained absences) and/or frequent lateness will be reported to Surrey County Council's Inclusion Officer and may result in a visit to your home.

Children who are vomiting or have diarrhoea must be kept at home, and not return to school for a minimum of 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. 

Leave of Absence

If you know your child is going to be absent from school, for any reason other than illness or a medical appointment, you need to request a leave of absence using the attached form.  The Headteacher will then determine whether this absence is classed as authorised or unauthorised.

Authorised Absence

The vast majority of school absence is authorised.  This is when the school agrees that the child is absent for a valid reason:

• Illness
• A special occasion set aside for religious observance
• Compassionate circumstances (such as the death of a close relative)
• Medical/dental appointments 
• Closure of the school (e.g. adverse weather conditions)

Unauthorised Absence

The following are not considered valid reasons for children missing school:

• Family holidays
• Shopping trips
• Visiting relatives
• Birthday treats
• Days out
• Unwell parent or sibling (except in exceptional circumstances)