When a child can have a day off school
The headteacher at your child’s school is responsible for authorising any absences.
A child can have a day off school if:
- they take part in a regulated performance or employment abroad
- they are attending an interview
- they have been given study leave
- they have a temporary reduced timetable
- there are exceptional circumstances.
Who authorises absence
Headteachers are responsible for authorising absences under The School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024.
As a parent or carer, you cannot authorise absences and must contact your child's school as soon as possible if they become ill.
If an absence is not authorised
If the headteacher does not authorise the absence it will be recorded as unauthorised on your child’s attendance record.
The school or academy will have to make a referral to the Attendance Team at Medway Council if your child has more than 10 sessions (five school days) of unauthorised absence.
If this is the case, legal action could be taken and could result in either:
- prosecution under Section 4441/4441A of The Education Act 1996
- a penalty notice which would need to be paid by each parent for each child. If you fail to pay this you may be prosecuted.