Holidays and Leaves of Absence

• There are 190 statutory school days in one year.  

• There are 175 days (weekends and school holidays) available to use for appointments and holidays.

At Firth Park Academy, we understand that taking breaks is important. However, it's essential to remember that the Academy will not authorise any leave of absence for a holiday during term time. Taking your child out of school without authorisation will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and could lead to a £160 Fixed Penalty Notice per child, per parent.

Whatever the reason, if you decide to take your child/children out of school for a day or more, you must notify us. You can do this in advance using the Leave of Absence Request Form, clearly explaining the reason this for leave and the dates. Remember, medical evidence may be required for extended illness-related absences.

Illness

If your child is too ill to be at school, then please notify the school before 8.15am.  If you are unsure, then you can refer to the NHS guidance Is my child too ill for school.  

You can contact the absence line on 0114 2567 62381 [Option 1], leaving your child’s full name, their form group and the reason for absence.  You must call us on every day of absence, otherwise you risk your child’s absence being unauthorised. 

Medical appointments 

For medical appointments, we kindly request scheduling them outside of school hours whenever possible. However, if an appointment occurs during the school day, we will expect your child to be in school before and after the appointment.  In such cases, informing the Academy in advance ensures we minimise disruption to your child's learning.

To contact a member of the Attendance Team call us direct on 0114 2567 62381 [Option 1].  Alternatively, you can email us at attendance@firthparkacademy.org.uk or message us on the Arbor Parent App.

Year 7 & 8: Mr P Rowberry - prowberry@firthparkacademy.org.uk
Year 9 & 11: Ms E Wilman - ewilman@firthparkacademy.org.uk
Year 10: Ms S Wheeler - swheeler@firthparkacademy.org.uk