Truancy

Truancy means that a school age child is not attending school when their parents or carers think that they are. This is technically referred to as an 'unauthorised absence'.

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These unauthorised absences also include parentally condoned absence for things such as going shopping, looking after family members or going on holiday during term time without the school's permission.

There are very few reasons that are acceptable for a child not being in school during school opening hours and only the school can authorise an absence.

Why is so much fuss made about someone not attending school?
Every day that a child misses school is a missed opportunity. For example, if a child only attends school for 90 percent of the school year, they are missing the equivalent of four weeks a year or half a year out of the five they spend in secondary education. For this reason, the authority takes the non-attendance of children at school very seriously.

Parents and carers who don't act in a responsible way to ensure that their children attend school can be prosecuted in the courts and fined or even imprisoned.

Can I take my child out of school in term time for a holiday?
Only the school can authorise an absence.  If your child's attendance is very good and they are working to the best of their ability and will not miss any exams, it is possible that the school will authorise no more than two weeks holiday per calendar year, per child.

This is not a right and is at the school's discretion.  Even this degree of absence reduces your child's attendance to 95 per cent.  If you take your child on holiday without the school's permission you may incur a fine or may be prosecuted.

How do I get permission to take my child on holiday?
Most schools have a special form that they ask you to fill in. The school will sign this as evidence that the absence has been authorised. Some schools may just ask you to apply in writing. Ask your child's school what they require, giving as much notice as possible.

What can I do if I have concerns about my child's attendance at school?
If you are concerned about your child's attendance talk to the school staff about it. In some cases the school will refer your child to the Education Welfare Service or may suggest that you contact them directly. The service works with children, schools and families to improve school attendance. Officers provide advice, assistance and training to schools and advocacy, information and support to children and families.

The service also holds the responsibility for enforcement through legal processes where this is deemed necessary in the educational interests of the child.

The three teams are based in:

High Peak and Derbyshire Dales
Area Office
Kents Bank Road
Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 9HR
Tel: 01298 26121
Fax: 01298 72191

Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire
Area Office
St Helena Centre
Sheffield Road
Chesterfield S41 7LU
Tel: 01246 204851
Fax: 01246 221326

Amber Valley, Erewash and South Derbyshire
Library Building
Grosvenor Road
Ripley
Derbyshire DE5 3JE
Tel: 01773 746844
Fax: 01773 745881