Attendance at Rushey Mead Academy

Although we are an academy, we are required as a state-maintained school to follow the statutory attendance guidance from the Department for Education. More information for parents can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence

Leicester City Council (the Local Authority) is the legal body that monitors our school in relation to the above and helps to ensure that all children attend school regularly. This means that they will continue to issue Penalty Notices (fines) and chair legal meetings where necessary.

Why is regular school attendance important?

Consistent and punctual attendance is both a legal requirement and crucial for your child’s success. Regular attendance ensures that students can make the most of the opportunities available to them. It helps them stay on track with their learning, develop strong work habits, build meaningful relationships with peers and teachers, and participate fully in school activities. Over time, good attendance contributes to better academic outcomes, increased confidence, and a greater sense of responsibility.

Is the school expecting every student to achieve 100% attendance?

While we understand that genuine reasons for absence will arise, and not every student will achieve 100% attendance, we encourage all students to attend school as often as possible.

What if my child is ill?

You will need to contact the school office each morning so we can update our registers. We will ask for a reason for absence for our records. Longer periods of illness absence (over 3 days) can only be authorised if medical evidence is shown to the school office. If you have received a medical evidence letter as your child’s attendance is below 96% due to illness, then any future absences that may occur can only be authorised when medical evidence has been provided. Medical evidence can be things such as named prescriptions or medication, appointment cards or notes from the doctor.

What if my child has a medical condition that may affect their attendance?

You should contact the office and make an appointment to speak to the year team, so we are aware of your child’s needs. When there are exceptional circumstances such as this, we often take a different approach to managing attendance in school, according to the child’s needs.

 

Can I take my child out of school during term time?

Schools are not allowed to authorise holiday requests. You must still complete an exceptional leave request form for all planned absences. We are required to know the whereabouts of your child during term-time for safeguarding purposes.

Rushey Meads response to Term Time Holidays

Term Time Holidays

Will I receive a penalty notice (fine)?

We may submit a penalty notice request to Leicester City Council for an unauthorised absence. A guide for parents in Leicester City Council can be downloaded from the council website: https://www.leicester.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-and-colleges/attendance-behaviour-and-welfare/attendance-and-truancy/

Important Update on School Attendance and Penalty Notices
Regular school attendance plays a key role in helping children achieve their full potential. As part of the National Framework for Penalty Notices, the local authority has clear guidelines on when fines can be issued for unauthorised absence. Parents should be aware that fines are issued per parent, per child, and can apply in cases of term-time holidays, persistent lateness, or other unauthorised absences. For example, if three children from the same family are taken out of school without authorisation, each parent may receive three separate fines.

 

Fines may also be issued for term time leave of 4 or more consecutive days, especially if it is attached to a school holiday or closure, and for 10 sessions (equivalent to 5 days) of unauthorised absence within a 10-week period.

The fine for a first offence is £160 per parent, per child, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days. A second offence within 3 years will result in a fine of £160 with no early payment discount. A third offence (or further) within the same 3-year period will usually result in prosecution through the Magistrates’ Court, where fines can be up to £2,500 per parent, per child. In these cases, a conviction can appear on a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which may impact future employment or travel plans.

We strongly encourage families to discuss any planned absences or difficulties with attendance with the school as early as possible. Working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and make the most of their education.

If the school have concerns about your child’s attendance?

If we are concerned about your child’s attendance, we will send you a letter outlining their attendance record, including any late marks. These letters are usually sent at the end of each term.

If there is no improvement after receiving this letter, we may refer the case to our Education Welfare Officer (EWO) at Leicester City Council. The EWO will help us identify the next steps, which may include inviting you to a legal meeting (a panel meeting). During this meeting, we will discuss our concerns, listen to your views, and work together to create a parenting contract to improve attendance.

If the situation does not improve, we will continue to work with the Education Welfare Service and may take further action, including a PACE meeting (Police and Criminal Investigations), and, if necessary, issue a penalty notice or pursue legal action.

 

Please take time to read the following documents and policies: –

 

Pharmacy First: Helping to Keep Children in School

At Rushey Mead Academy we know how important regular attendance is for your child’s learning and development. However, minor illnesses can sometimes lead to unnecessary absences. That’s where Pharmacy First can help!

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows local pharmacists to provide expert advice and treatment for common illnesses—without the need for a GP appointment. This means your child can get the care they need quickly and return to school sooner.

How Can Pharmacy First Help?

✅ Faster Treatment – No need to wait for a GP appointment; visit a participating pharmacy instead.

✅ Common Illnesses Covered – Pharmacists can help with sore throats, ear infections, insect bites, impetigo, and more.

✅ Convenient Locations & Hours – Many pharmacies are open late and on weekends, making it easier for parents.

✅ Less Time Off School – Faster care means children recover quicker and miss fewer days of learning.

 

Supporting School Attendance

By using Pharmacy First, you can help ensure your child gets the care they need without unnecessary absences. Pharmacies offer expert support and advice, meaning minor illnesses don’t have to disrupt their education.

📍 Find your nearest participating pharmacy by visiting the NHS website or asking at your local pharmacy.

Together, we can keep our children healthy, happy, and in school!