RIAB aims to encourage every student to achieve the highest possible levels of attendance in order to take full advantage of the learning experiences available to them.
We at RIAB recognise the very strong link that exists between a student’s level of attendance and their achievement. This link is shared with students and parents at every opportunity. We aim for 100% and ask for 97% as a minimum.
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
A student is required by law (under Section 444 of the 1996 Education Act and Regulations of 2006 and 2010) to attend regularly at the school where they are registered. The school is required to differentiate between authorised and unauthorised absence. It is expected that the parent/carer will contact school to inform them concerning absence. However, it is for the school to judge whether the explanation given is satisfactory justification for the absence.
Section 23 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and Section 105 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 empowers LA officers, Head-teachers and the Police to issue penalty notices in cases of unauthorised absences from school, and for parental failure to ensure that their child is not in a public place during school hours without reasonable justification during the first five days of an exclusion.