Regulation 7 of the Education (School and Placing Information) (Scotland) Amendments, Etc, Regulations 1993 requires each child’s absence from school to be recorded in the school register as authorised  i.e. approved by the authority, or unauthorised  i.e. unexplained by the parent (truancy) or temporarily excluded from school. 

Un-notified Absence Policy 

It is East Dunbartonshire Council’s policy that parents should notify their child’s school if their child is going to be absent. In some instances it might not be possible for parents to pre-notify the school of  an absence because their child may have become unwell during the night. In these circumstances, parents should notify the school before registration begins. 

If parents do not inform the school of their child’s absence, the school will take action to find your child. This will involve contacting you and, where necessary, your emergency contact person(s). If these actions are not successful, the school will ask the school’s Attendance Officer to visit your home. In some exceptional circumstances, where the school believes your child could be at risk of harm, contact will be made with the Police and/or Social Work. Parents should also give their child a note on his/her return to school confirming the reason for absence. 

Family Holidays 

Every effort should be made to avoid family holidays during term time as this seriously disrupts a child’s education and greatly reduces learning time. It should be noted that it not only has an adverse effect on a child while he/she is absent from school, but also leads to extended disruption to a child’s education for a period of time when he/she returns to school after the family holiday. Family holidays will only be regarded as authorised absence where prior agreement from the school has been obtained and where it is judged the holiday is important to the wellbeing and cohesion of the family, following serious or terminal illness, bereavement or other traumatic events. 

Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school to make an extended visit to relatives. This leave will be regarded the same as a family holiday but will be recorded separately from school holidays for attendance purposes. Requests should be made in writing detailing the destination and the duration. 

Clearly with no explanation from the parents, the absence is unauthorised. 

Information regarding exceptional closures 

We make every effort to maintain a full educational service, but on some occasions circumstances arise which lead to disruption. Schools may be affected by, for example, severe weather, temporary interruption of transport, power failures or difficulties of fuel supply. In such cases we shall do all we can to let you know about the details of closure or re-opening. We shall keep you in touch by using letters, notices in local shops and community centres, announcements in local churches and announcements in the press and on local radio. There will also be updates on the website www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk 

Parental Communication with School in Case of Emergency 

It is important that parents keep contact with the school to a minimum in the case of an emergency. When you telephone the school you will be asked for a contact number and your message will be repeated back. Please ensure the pupil’s name, class and/or teacher’s name is given. Where possible you should telephone before 2.30pm if there are any changes to childcare arrangements.