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Coten End Primary School

Reporting absence

Below is the process for reporting absence and how the school will respond:

1. Contact the school before 9:30am

  • Please phone the school on 01926 929022 before 9:30am if your child is not coming in or via the MCAS app.
  • Registration closes at 9:30am.

2. Give a clear reason for the absence

  • We need to know why your child is off. Saying only “unwell” is not enough — please tell us the symptoms or the issue.
  • If we don’t receive a clear reason, the admin team will contact you.
  • If a suitable reason still cannot be given, the absence will be marked unauthorised. 

3. Provide evidence for appointments

  • If your child has a medical or other appointment, we can only authorise it if you provide proof (e.g., appointment text or letter).

4. If we haven’t heard from you by 10:00am

  • We will contact you to check where your child is.
  • Until we receive a reason, the absence will be marked unauthorised.

5. If we still can’t reach you

  • We will continue trying by text, email, and phone. 

6. If there is no contact for three days

  • A home visit will take place on the third day by a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the Attendance Support Team.
  • Unexplained absences may also be discussed with Family Connect.

7. Unauthorised marks after 12:00pm

  • If we have not heard from you by 12:00pm, the absence will stay unauthorised for that day.
  • This cannot be changed later. 

8. If your child is off for three days

  • We may ask you to seek medical advice.
  • This helps us make sure your child is well and to support them when they return. 

9. Safe and well checks

  • When your child returns, a Designated Safeguarding Lead may speak with them to confirm they are safe and well.

10. If your family has a Social Worker

  • A member of the Attendance Support Team will contact the relevant professionals.

11. If we believe there is an immediate safeguarding concern

  • A home visit will be carried out by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. 

12. Report absences every day

  • If your child is off for more than one day, please contact us each morning to update us.
  • If you have any worries or need help, please speak to the Attendance Support Team.