Attendance
At The Kassia Academy, we want every learner to attend regularly, arrive on time and feel able to take part in their education. Attending school helps young people build relationships, maintain routines and make progress. We know that illness, anxiety, special educational needs and circumstances at home can sometimes make attendance difficult. Please tell us about a problem early so that we can work with you and your child to find the right support.
Reporting an absence
If your child cannot attend, please contact the school before 8.30am on the first day of absence and on every subsequent day. Tell us your child’s name, the reason for their absence and when you expect them to return.
Call: 01925 452010
Email: admin@tkas.org.uk
Please also let us know if your contact details change. If a learner is absent and we have not heard from you, we will contact you to establish where they are and check that they are safe. Where necessary, we may make further enquiries, including a home visit.
Some Kassia learners are also registered with another school. Please follow the absence reporting arrangements agreed for your child’s placement so that both schools have the information they need.
Illness and medical appointments
If your child is too ill to attend, let us know using the details above. We do not routinely require a doctor’s note for an illness absence. In some circumstances, such as a prolonged or repeated pattern of illness, we may discuss appropriate information with you so that we can understand your child’s needs and plan support.
Please arrange routine medical and dental appointments outside the school day where possible. If this cannot be done, tell us in advance and arrange for your child to attend for as much of the day as they can.
If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend, see the NHS guide: Is my child too ill for school? Click Here
When attending school feels difficult
If your child is worried about coming to school, please contact us. We will listen to you and your child, explore what is making attendance difficult and agree practical steps together. This may include support from our pastoral or inclusion team, adjustments to help your child access learning, or a plan for returning after a longer absence. Where appropriate, we will work with other professionals and your child’s other school.
To discuss attendance support, call 01925 452010 and ask for the Pastoral or Inclusion Team. You do not need to wait until your child has missed several days before getting in touch.
Punctuality
Please make sure your child arrives at the time agreed for their provision. If they will be late, contact the school as soon as possible. We will record late arrival in line with attendance regulations and will speak with you if getting to school on time is becoming difficult.
Requests for absence during term time
Please request any planned term-time absence in writing to the Headteacher, as early as possible and, where possible, at least six weeks in advance. Explain the circumstances and the dates requested. Each request is considered individually; permission cannot be assumed. Family holidays are generally not considered exceptional circumstances.
Unauthorised absence can lead to action by the school or local authority, including a penalty notice where appropriate. Our first step where attendance is becoming a concern is to understand the circumstances and consider what support is needed.
