EMA Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions - Absences
Q - Will authorised absences be the same as those categorised by the education department?
A - Yes
Q - What is counted as an unauthorised absence?
A - This is covered in the guidance document.
Q - How many sick days are the pupils allowed?
A - This currently differs slightly from authority to authority e.g. Dundee allow 5 days. LAs are allowed some discretion to fit in with current LA policy on absences. The Guidance Document will outline in more detail.
Q - Do they have to produce a medical certificate?
A - We would recommend that if a student is absent due to ill health for up to 5 consecutive working days, a letter from a parent/guardian must be submitted. If the absence is longer than 5 working days, a medical certificate should be produced. This may be at the student's own expense. (Please refer to the guidance document within the Documents' section).
Q - Are holidays paid for?
A - No - EMAs are an in term allowance which covers 42 weeks in school.
Q - Does the attendance requirement include work placements and college courses?
A - Yes - EMAs cover all elements of course work that occurs during term time as defined by educational establishment and recognised by LA.
Q - What about in-service and public holidays?
A - Please refer to the guidance document.
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