School Absences & Attendance

Letting our light shine and making a difference in everything we do.

School Absences & Attendance

At St Mary & All Saints, regular school attendance is vital for your child’s learning, well-being, and ability to "let their light shine." However, we understand that there are times when an absence is unavoidable.

Below is the guidance on how to report different types of absences to ensure our school community remains safe, organised, and well-supported.

Reporting an Absence Due to Illness

If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please notify us by 9:00 AM on the morning of their absence using the ParentMail app.

  1. Open theParentMail app: On your smartphone log in using your registered email address and password.

  2. Navigate to Absences: From the main home screen, tap on the 'Absence Reporting' option.

  3. Enter Details: Select the child who will be absent and enter the specific reason for their illness.

  4. Confirm and Submit: Confirm the date or dates of the absence and click submit. You will receive a confirmation message on your screen once it has been successfully sent.

Need assistance? If you experience any issues logging into ParentMail or submitting the form, please contact the school office as soon as possible on 01494 673762 or email us at office@stmaryallsaints.co.uk.

Medical and Dental Appointments

We kindly ask that routine medical, dental, and optician appointments are booked outside of school hours wherever possible.

If your child must attend an appointment during the school day:

  • Please notify your child's class teacher in writing.

  • Send a physical note in your child’s book-bag the day before the planned appointment so the teacher can arrange for them to be ready for collection.

Requesting Other Absences (Including Secondary School Visits)

For any absence other than illness or medical appointments, parents must submit a formal request:

  • How to apply: Please collect a physical Leave of Absence Request Form from the school office.

  • Timeline: Whenever possible, this form must be completed and returned to the office at least one month prior to the planned date.

  • Secondary School Visits: If your child is in upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6) and needs time out of school to visit prospective secondary schools, you must complete a Leave of Absence Request Form before taking them.

  • Family Holidays: In line with government guidelines, the school is unable to authorize absences for family holidays unless there are exceptional circumstances.