Extended Leave of Absence and Observerence of Religious Holidays

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Religious Observance and School Absence

Information for Parents

Some facts about School Attendance

Schools are open 195 days per year. That leaves 170 other days for leisure time. If a child is absent from school for an average of one day per week they will miss TWO YEARS of education between Reception and Year 11 If a Secondary School student misses an average of one HALF day per week, they are likely to obtain a full grade lower in their GCSE’s than other students. Only schools can AUTHORISE absence. Unauthorised absence from school is called truancy and parents of pupils whose absence is not authorised can be guilty of a criminal offence and may be liable to either a Fixed Penalty Notice or Prosecution in the Magistrate’s Court.

Please Remember

Any absence from school can mean:

Important work is missed

Pupils lose the ‘flow’ of the curriculum

Confidence can be lost

Other pupils work may be disturbed

Social relationships are disrupted

Schools are concerned that high levels of absence will have an adverse effect on the achievements of ALL pupils.

How we support pupils to participate in religious observance

Warwickshire Schools recognise the important part faith and religious observance play in the lives of many of our pupils. We also value the diversity and richness all religions and cultures bring to society. The right to religious observance is enshrined in law and has the full support of all schools in Warwickshire.

Schools will understand that, even within some faith groups, celebrations occur according to the lunar calendar in different countries and that it may be difficult to predict when children may need to be absent from school until very close to the day itself.

In order to promote both tolerance and mutual understanding it is important that members of all religious groups contribute to education, both through provision of information and support for the curriculum and to teaching staff.

How you can help:

Talk to school staff (Head Teacher or Class Teacher) when you join a school community about your family’s beliefs and their potential impact on your child’s school attendance.

Give as much notice as possible of any likely absence and the reasons for it.

If your child has to be involved in religious ceremonies attached to a family wedding, funeral or other occasion, let the school know as early as possible when this will be and what is expected of the child.

Discuss with school staff whether there is any school work that your child could do during the time they will be absent so they do not fall too far behind.

Schools will help by:

Treating all requests for absence for religious purposes with respect

Explain clearly what your child is likely to miss during their absence and how they can catch up afterwards.

As part of the curriculum, ensuring that your child has the opportunity to learn and understand about the needs of people from a wide range of faith groups and communities.

Being aware, as far as possible, of the religious festivals and events relevant to all the children in their school

For further information contact:-

Warwickshire Education Social Work Service

Phone: 01926 746890
Fax: 01926 424084
Email:rosprice@warwickshire.gov.uk
Kingsway Base
Kingsway School
Baker Avenue
Leamington Spa
CV31 3HB

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