What to do if your child is absent from school

If your child is absent from school because of illness or any other reason, you should telephone the school office on 01892 678980 or email absence@st-johns.kent.sch.uk BEFORE 9:00am on each and every day of absence. Alternatively, a written note giving the reason for any absence should be sent to the school office together with a copy of an appointment letter if applicable in advance.

You should make every effort to get your child to school. If your child becomes unwell at school we will always contact you. Please note that in cases of diarrhoea and vomiting, the guidance is that children should be kept away from school for 48 hours after their final episode.

If you have issues that prevent your child from attending school, discuss these as soon as possible with a member of staff. Please do not wait for Parent Consultation appointments.

If you wish to take your child out of school for any period of time you must complete a “Leave of Absence” request form, available from the school office or from the website. You must return it to the headteacher, together with a letter explaining the exceptional circumstances at least two weeks prior to the date of absence. You may be required to attend a meeting with the Headteacher to discuss this.

Parents are strongly advised by the Government and Local Authority to avoid taking children out of school in term time because of the disruption it causes to their education.

Penalty notices may be issued for unauthorised absence from school of at least 10 sessions (5 days). The penalty will be £120 per parent per child to be paid within 28 days, reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days. Failure to pay the penalty in full by the end of the 28 day period may result in prosecution by the Local Authority.