Reporting an Absence from School
If your child is unwell, please let us know by 9.40am on each and every day they are unwell.
You can do this by emailing attendance@astreacentreschool.org or by calling 01954 288789.
The Importance of Attending Every Day
For young people to thrive at our special school, they must attend regularly and reliably. To benefit from our care, guidance and uniquely engaging and accessible curriculum, students have to be here and working with us. Our goal is for every one of our students to enjoy a life of choice and opportunity, from the moment they leave our care. To achieve this, our young people need to grow their characters, develop their essential skills and achieve important qualifications – and this only happens when they attend and engage each and every day.
Our expectations, alongside the encouragement and support we provide to students and their families is described in our latest Attendance policy, which can be found here.
The Responsibility of Parents & Carers
It is the legal responsibility of parents (and carers) to ensure that their child receives an appropriate education. If you child is registered at The Centre School, this means ensuring that they attend The Centre school. These expectations are described by Cambridgeshire County Council and the Department for Education (DfE).
Cambridgeshire County Council – responsibilities, information and support
School Attendance for Families (Cambridgeshire, 2024-25)
Department for Education – working together to improve school attendance
Requesting a Leave of Absence
If, under exceptional circumstances, you need to request a leave of absence for your child, please do so using the online form linked below. You should complete the form at least 10 days in advance of the first requested day of absence.
Leave of Absence Request Form (Students)
Support with Attendance Matters
Sometimes attending school regularly and reliably, can present a significant challenge. In those times, we are here to help. To request additional support from school, please contact your child’s Head of House or email attendance@astreacentreschool.org
We also work with a range of partner organisations who are able to provide advice and assistance with attendance matters. Links to these organisations are provided below.
Family Lives – support for parents
Young Minds – support for parents and young people
Kooth – support for young people
The Centre School Attendance Team
Kara Kirton (Attendance Administration)
Hannah Meadows (Inclusion Administration)
Hanna Douglas (Attendance Manager)
Chris Cassidy (Leadership Team)