Attendance & Leave of Absence Form

We aim to work together with parents, the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust and the Local Authority to:

• Ensure that every child attends, on time, every day possible so that they:
• Establish positive routines and attitudes towards their education from the earliest point
• Progress well academically and socially.
• Develop excellent habits for their next steps in education and their careers.
• Promote and support the safety and welfare of all pupils

All parents who have children of compulsory school age are legally responsible for ensuring that their children receive a suitable education. Children who are in Reception and have not yet reached their 5th birthday will still benefit from the routine and structure of attending school at an early age.

Punctuality also has an impact on attendance rates. If a child arrives late at school, after registration closes, this equates to an absence.

The school day starts at 8.40am and ends at 3.10pm

All absences should be reported by parents before 9.00am by following the school’s absence reporting procedures. Please call the school office on 0113 256 5407
office@stjosephspudsey.org

Parent Attendance Information

When is evidence required for authorising absence?

This guide explains clearly for parents and carers when school may ask for evidence to support an authorised absence request. It follows national Department for Education (DfE) guidance and reflects how school makes decisions fairly and consistently.

Most short, occasional illnesses do not require evidence.

What parents need to provide:

• A simple explanation (phone call, email, Arbor message, or written note).

When evidence WILL be requested:

• If illness becomes frequent.
• If absences form a pattern (e.g., regular Mondays/Fridays).
• If attendance is below expected levels (96% or below).

Examples of acceptable evidence:

• GP appointment card.
• Prescription or medication label.
• Hospital letter.
• Screenshot of NHS app appointment.

Please note: School requests evidence to understand barriers to attendance, not to challenge honesty.

Evidence is required.

What parents need to provide:

• Appointment confirmation (text, email, letter, screenshot).

Additional notes:

• School encourages appointments outside school hours where possible.
• If the appointment is during the school day, please provide the expected arrival/return time.

Evidence is required.

What parents need to provide:

• A leave of absence form informing the school of the religious festival or observance.

Important:

• The day must be part of the recognised calendar for that faith.

School may authorise absence in genuinely exceptional situations.

What parents need to provide:

• A written request in advance.
• Any relevant supporting evidence.

Examples of acceptable evidence:

• Bereavement information (e.g., funeral details).
• Court letter.
• Immigration/visa appointment letter.
• Social worker or professional letter.

Not authorised:

• Holidays.
• Travel due to cost.
• Family celebrations or events.

Evidence is required.

What parents need to provide:

• A leave of absence form which includes the invitation or appointment confirmation.

Absence will be unauthorised if:

• No reason is provided.
• The reason does not meet authorised categories.
• Evidence requested is not provided.
• The absence relates to a holiday or non-exceptional event.

Key Principle

Parents provide the explanation; the school decides whether the absence can be authorised, following DfE guidance and local authority policy.

If you need help understanding what evidence is required, please contact the school office on 0113 256 5407.

The attendance ladder below indicates the impact attendance can have on a child’s learning and attainment.

Please see below a link to our Leave of Absence Form.  This should be completed if you need to take your child out of school for any reason other than a medical appointment. 

It is a legal requirement that children are in full time education from the term after their fifth birthday.  All holidays will be sent to Leeds City Council for fining. 

If your child is not yet of statutory school age we still ask that you complete the form so that we can fully follow our safeguarding procedures and correctly mark the registers.

Leave of Absence form