Reporting Sickness Absence

We understand that absence due to ill health can be unavoidable. If your child is going to be absent, please: 

Contact the School office by 8.55am

This can be by email to office@bishopscaundle.dorset.sch.uk or by telephone 01963 23450 where you can leave a message.

If we do not hear from you and your child does not arrive in school we will contact you to check that all is OK. 

We believe that excellent attendance will lead to the best possible achievement for our pupils.

Our attendance policy sets clear guidelines on the two categories of absence, namely authorised and unauthorised. Authorised absence is approved by the Headteacher and includes time away from school with an appropriate reason for absence such as illness. Unauthorised absence occurs when a parent/carer gives an invalid reason or no reason at all for the child’s non-attendance. All non-authorised absences are recorded on your child’s report; therefore reasons for absences are vital.

Holidays during term time are only approved in exceptional circumstances and if taken without authorisation may be subject to a penalty notice.

All parents/carers receive a termly update on their child’s attendance. If your child’s attendance drops to 92% or below you will be informed by letter. The school is always willing to support families on attendance issues. However, if poor attendance persists you may be invited to a meeting with a member of Dorset Council’s Attendance Team.

We celebrate good attendance by awarding children certificates for attendance of 97+% and 100% every term. Children achieving 100% attendance over the year receive a special school badge.