If a parent telephones a school to give a reason for their child's absence, does that mean that the absence is authorised?
NO! It is only the school that can authorise this. The school may wish to ask for clarification of the reason for absence.
Can a parent insist on a family holiday during term time?
There is no right in law for a school to authorise absence during term-time holidays. However, the recommendation from DFES - of allowing 10 days, is reasonably acceptable. Holiday over 10 days would not normally be authorised other than in exceptional circumstances.
If a child has not returned to school following an authorised holiday can the child be removed from roll?
If the child has not returned to school for 10 days following the end of the authorised holiday then they can be taken off roll.
What is the value of electronic registration?
In our experience electronic registration enhances the whole school management of attendance matters. Lesson-by-lesson registration is a very useful tool in addressing internal truancy issues and addressing attendance concerns quickly.