Absences

Please report a student’s absence, daily, using the Studybugs app or visit their website. This is our preferred method, as it feeds directly in to Attendance. If your child is absent from school due to illness, please notify the school by 8.30am.

For all other absence please telephone and leave a message for attendance to advise if your child will be late due to medical or illness. Likewise, a child will not be released from school without prior notice (before 8.30am) of an appointment. Please telephone 01273 845892 (ext. 228) and select the student absence option.

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.

STUDYBUGS – REPORT ABSENCE SECURELY AND HELP IMPROVE CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Studybugs is an efficient and secure system for reporting your child’s absence due to illness. If you haven’t already, please download the free Studybugs app, or register on the Studybugs website, and use it to tell us whenever your child’s ill and unable to attend school.

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

TOP 3 REASONS TO USE STUDYBUGS

1. It helps us know sooner if your child is unaccounted for.
2. It’s quick and easy to register and use and automatically reminds you to keep us posted.
3. You’ll be helping the NHS and other public health organisations improve children’s health. (https://studybugs.com/about/schools)

Authorised Absences

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

UNPLANNED EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURES

If for any reason Downlands has to close at short notice in the event of snow or unforeseen emergencies the following actions will be taken:

During the School Day

• Decisions to close due to adverse weather conditions will be based on up to date travel information i.e. a possible cancellation of bus or train services thus preventing pupils getting home safely
• If parents have provided a mobile number they will be sent a text to alert them of the school closure.
• Parents should ring 01273 845892 or email: office@downlands.w-sussex.sch.uk to alert the school to any personal situations that would prevent their child from returning home safely.
• Up to date information will be put on the front page of the school website at regular intervals.
• The local radio stations will be informed and their website/broadcasts will contain relevant information – BBC Radio Sussex, Heart FM, Juice and MoreRadio.
• Any child who is unable to make the journey home safely will be kept at Downlands until suitable arrangements can be made for their safe return.

The Day/Evening Before a Closure

• If parents have provided a mobile number they will be sent a text to alert them of the school closure.
• A school comms message will be sent to all parents who have signed up to receive messages via email.
• The website will contain up to date information and be updated regularly.
• The school answerphone message will contain relevant information.