Studybugs is an efficient and secure system for reporting your child’s absence due to illness. If you have not already, please download the free Studybugs app, or register on the Studybugs website. This is our preferred method, as it feeds directly into Attendance.

Get the app or register now (https://studybugs.com/about/parents)

Please report a student’s unplanned absence daily, using the Studybugs app, visit their website or call 01273 845892 and select the option for the Attendance Office.

If your child is absent from school due to illness, please notify the school by 8.30am. Please leave a clear message stating your child’s name, tutor group, and the specific reason for absence. Generic terms like “unwell” or “poorly” may require a follow-up call from our team for safeguarding purposes.

PLEASE NOTE: In cases where students are absent due to sickness or diarrhoea the 48-hour rule must be adhered to, but please notify daily of absence.  

TOP 3 REASONS TO USE STUDYBUGS

1. It helps us know sooner if your child is unaccounted for.

2. It is quick and easy to register and use and automatically reminds you to keep us posted.

3. You will be helping the NHS and other public health organisations improve children’s health. https://studybugs.com/about/schools

Medical & dental appointments

We kindly ask that all routine medical and dental appointments be booked outside of school hours or during school holidays whenever possible. Where an appointment during the school day is unavoidable:

1. Notify the Attendance Office at least 24 hours in advance via Studybugs or email.

2. Provide a copy of the appointment card, letter, or screenshot of the text confirmation.

3. Students must sign out at Reception before leaving and sign back in immediately upon their return.

Understanding Attendance percentages

We closely monitor attendance to ensure no student falls behind and ensure students are meeting participation goals on MCAS. The below outlines how absence impacts your child’s learning over the course of an academic year:

Being a “Persistent Absentee” (below 90%) means a student has missed the equivalent of one half-day of school every single week. 

Why being in school matters 

• Missing around 17 days of school (approximately 91% attendance) can make it harder for students to keep up with learning expectations. 

• Missing around 28 days (approximately 85% attendance) equates to over a month away from learning and peer interaction, which can affect confidence and wellbeing. 

Supporting families & getting help  

We value working in partnership with families to ensure students feel supported, included, and able to access learning successfully. We understand that sometimes students face barriers to attending school, whether due to physical illness, mental health, or anxiety. Our dedicated pastoral and attendance teams are here to support you.    If you are worried about your child’s attendance, please do not wait for it to become a major issue. Reach out to your child’s Tutor, Head of Year, or the **Attendance Officer** so we can work together to create a supportive plan.   

• Attendance Policy: Attendance Policy 

• Mind  

• YES Youth Emotional Support Service  

• Young Minds A-Z mental health guide 

• https://www.sussexcamhs.nhs.uk/our-services/service-finder/west-sussex-single-point-advice-spoa 

• SENDIAS: https://westsussexsendias.org/  

• Solihull Parenting Course   

• West Sussex Local Offer (SEND support): https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/local-offer/ 

• IPSEA (independent SEND advice): www.ipsea.org.uk 

Requests for exceptional leave of absence 

In line with Department for Education guidelines, Downlands Community School cannot authorise any term-time holidays. Leave of absence will only be granted in highly exceptional circumstances.   For requests for authorised absence during term time, please fill in the form below and return to school.  Leave of Absence Form Downlands Community School  Please note that unauthorised term-time absences, including holidays, may result in the issuance of a Fixed Penalty Notice (fine) by West Sussex County Council.