Student Absence
The Voyage Learning Campus is committed to providing high quality inclusive learning opportunities for all students. We believe that regular, daily attendance is crucial for students to reach their full potential. Our aim is for all of our students to reach at least 95% attendance or above.
It is a parent/carers responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly and on time. Some children are reluctant to attend school, or look to their parents to provide them with an excuse. Never give in to pressure to let a child stay off school, it may make things worse.
Is my child too ill for school?
If you are experiencing problems, talk to your child's Head of Centre as soon as possible. Don't wait until the situation escalates. Most problems can be resolved once the Campus is made aware of the situation.
How to Report an Absence
- Parents should telephone the Centre their child attends by 9.30am on the first day of absence,
- A reason for the child’s absence should be given,
- An expected return date should be discussed.
Parents/carers will be contacted by the Centre for a reason for the absence if a student hasn’t arrived by 9.30 am.
Holiday’s in Term-Time
- Following Department of Education guidance, head teachers do not have the authority to grant term time holidays,
- Voyage Learning Campus do not authorise holidays taken during term time. Absence for more than 10 sessions (i.e. more than 5 days) can lead to a request for a Penalty Notice. We will inform you by letter if we plan to request a Penalty Notice from the Local Authority,
- Links to leaflets from North Somerset Council which contain more information regarding this can be found at the bottom of this page.
Persistent Absences and Unauthorised Absences
- If your child is missing school on a regular basis due to illness/medical appointments you may be asked to provide proof of these illnesses in the form of a letter from your doctor, stamped appointment card or letter confirming the date of appointment,
- If your child is missing school on a regular basis and the reason is not acceptable, you will be contacted by the Head of Centre to discuss these absences further.
It is worth noting that 90% attendance is the equivalent of ½ day absence per week and 80% attendance is the equivalent of missing 6 extra weeks of schooling over a year!
