Being in school every day is essential for your child’s learning, wellbeing, and overall development. Regular attendance helps children build friendships, develop routines, and achieve their full academic potential.

We understand that sometimes your child may be unwell or face exceptional circumstances that prevent them from attending. If your child is going to be absent, please contact the school as soon as possible to let us know the reason.

Your support in promoting good attendance is greatly appreciated.

Reporting an Absence

Parents/carers should telephone the school on 029 2079 2751 by 8:30am and press 1 to ‘report their child absent’ on the first day of absence to explain why their child is not in school.

Our phone lines are open from 8:00am.

If your child remains absent, we kindly ask that you update the school daily via a phone call.
 

To ensure timely communication, absence notifications should not be submitted via email or text message.

 

What We Do If We Don’t Receive an Explanation for a Pupil’s Absence

• When a pupil is absent and no reason has been provided, they will be marked as absent. We will then send a text message to parents or carers following morning registration.
• If your child arrives late and misses registration, you may receive a message asking for the reason. Please notify the school in advance if your child is going to be late.
• If we do not receive a response and the absence continues, a follow-up text will be sent later in the day. Should we still be unable to confirm the reason, the school will make a phone call to request clarification. In such cases, the absence may be recorded as unauthorised.
• For extended periods of unexplained absence, we may refer the matter to the Education and Welfare Officers for further investigation, if deemed necessary.

 

Should the Absence be Authorised 

• Only a senior member of staff / attendance officer school can authorise an absence.
• Parents/carers must provide a full explanation of the reason for absence.
• The school will use this information to decide whether the absence can be authorised. Cardiff East Cluster Schools exercise caution when approving absences and will only authorise them where appropriate.

 

Absence due to a Medical Appointment

• If your child has a scheduled medical appointment, please notify the school in advance so we can authorise the absence.
• In the case of emergency appointments, contact us as soon as possible.
• When appropriate, the school may request supporting medical documentation, such as an appointment letter or card.

 

Term-Time Holidays and Attendance

Taking holidays during term time can significantly disrupt your child’s education and progress. For this reason, holidays should only be arranged during school breaks unless there are exceptional circumstances.

• If you need to request leave for a term-time holiday, please email your request in advance to info@easternhigh.org.uk. The Headteacher will review each case individually, and authorisation will only be granted in exceptional situations.
• Please note that unauthorised holiday absences may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) issued by Cardiff Council.
• We strongly advise parents and carers to schedule family holidays during official school holidays to help maintain consistent attendance and support your child’s learning.

 

Absence Due to Bereavement or Exceptional Circumstances

We recognise that there may be occasions when your child needs to be absent due to bereavement or other exceptional circumstances.

• In such cases, we ask parents or carers to contact the school at their earliest convenience to discuss the situation.
• Absence following the loss of a close family member will be authorised, and we will work with you to ensure your child receives appropriate support upon their return.

 

Absence for Religious Observance

We acknowledge and respect that families may choose to observe significant religious or faith-based festivals.

• If your child will be absent for a recognised religious celebration, please notify the school in advance. In most cases, absence for the day(s) of observance can be authorised.
• Should additional days be requested, the Headteacher will consider the circumstances and determine whether further absence can be approved.
• Providing advance notice allows us to record the absence accurately and ensure appropriate support for your child upon their return.