Absence Procedure (unplanned absence)

In the event that your child is unable to attend school, please inform the college EACH DAY of their absence, before 8:30am. You can report absences through the following methods:

1. Email: absences@ucc.rutland.sch.uk
2. Message us via the MCAS App
3. Phone: 01572 823631 (Option 1)

Please provide the following details – first and last name of student, registration group and reason for absence – please give suitable details – ‘ill’ or ‘unwell’ cannot be authorised.

Example message: Fred Blogs, 10ZF, will not be in school today, he has a sore throat and a high temperature.

Medical advice is clear, however, that children with a mild illness will often be well enough to attend – e.g. if they have a cough or cold, without a temperature. The NHS guidance Is my child too ill for College? - NHS (www.nhs.uk) is designed to support parents/carers in their decision-making about mild illness.  

Please note: If the college does not have a reason for absence, a text/email will be sent home.

If an explanation for an absence is not received, it will be recorded as unauthorised and an unexplained absence text message will be sent from the College or a telephone call will be made. A home visit may occur as a follow-up action.

Absence Request Procedure (planned absence)

Should you need to take your child out of school during term time due to a medical appointment, music examination, external sports fixture, family funeral, holiday or other exceptional circumstances, please complete the ‘online request for absence form’ (link below)

Online Absence Request Form

Once your request has been submitted it will then be processed as either authorised/unauthorised and you will be notified within a few days.

Please note: We cannot authorise any requests for holidays during term time.

NB: The College is unable to authorise any absence on the day immediately prior to or following a college holiday without medical evidence.

Collecting your child during the school day

Should you need to collect your child during school hours, e.g. For a medical appointment (hopefully you will have completed the online form in advance) – you (or a nominated adult, named in the form) will need to collect them from reception and sign them out. Whoever is collecting the student will need to bring ID – our receptionist will ask for this for safeguarding reasons.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support in working towards our attendance expectations.

For more information regarding attendance – please refer to the Attendance Policy on the website.