Report Absence

Report an absence by:

• telephoning the absence line 020 8959 1937 ext 306 or
• by completing the absence form which will send an email to attendance@copthall.barnet.sch.uk

This form can be used for any absence, however for leave of absence or medical appointments during term time the outcome of your request will be confirmed by email.

It is understood that unavoidable illness can result in students needing to be away from school and families must inform school and provide medical evidence as appropriate.

Medical Appointments

If your child has a medical appointment please advise the attendance officer five days in advance of the appointment bringing evidence of the appointment along with a letter stating collection and return to school information. All appointments where possible, should be made outside of school hours or in the holiday period. Emergency appointments will be authorised with supporting evidence.

Families of students who are absent in the days prior to or after any school holiday will be required to provide medical evidence to authorise their daughter’s absence (as proof they are not on holiday). If no sufficient evidence is provided, the absence will be marked as unauthorised holiday and a Fixed Penalty Notice will be issued.  

Leave of absence during term time

Parents should refer to the school’s attendance policy which is available on the website before requesting leave of absence.  A leave of absence request form is available from the Attendance Office or by downloading the request form. By requesting permission for your child to be excused from school, you are agreeing to abide by the decision of the Head Teacher. You must provide relevant information and not make travel plans before receiving permission. If your request is not agreed, your child must attend school, or you may be liable to a fixed-penalty notice. In some circumstances, you may be jeopardising your child’s place at the school.

A fixed – penalty notice will be issued by the London Borough of Barnet to each parent for each child for the amount of £60 if paid within 21 days of issue, otherwise the penalty notice will be £120. If the notice remains unpaid after the 28th day, the Local Authority will prosecute the parent in the Magistrates Court for the original non - attendance offence under The Education Act 1996, section 444 and not for non - payment of the penalty notice.  If found guilty, parents will have a criminal record, possibly receive a fine of up to £1000, for a first offence, and be required to pay costs to the Local Authority

Absence from school is governed by the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, and as amended, 2010

What you will need to provide:

• Medical evidence from a Dr explaining how serious the condition is of the patient being visited.     
• A copy of a death certificate of the person who has recently died.
• A copy of any invitation of the requested celebration.
• A copy of the original flight ticket, ensuring that the booking date of the ticket is visible.
• If flights have been cancelled by the airline, the original flight ticket and the reissued one must be provided.

If you require any further information please contact Attendance Officer on 020 8959 1937 ext 306.

Or email: attendance@copthall.barnet.sch.uk