Religious observance attendance impact support plan

Scope and status

This optional plan may be used by maintained and academy primary and secondary schools in England where the school or local authority chooses to address attendance and attainment impacts associated with religious observance.

Measures should reflect local circumstances, the views and needs of affected pupils and families, and operational feasibility. The school does not need to use every measure described in this plan.

Measures for consideration

The school may consider setting term dates around days for religious observance where this is feasible.

The school may consider taking INSET days that coincide with religious observance days where this is feasible.

The school may consider working with local faith groups to develop guidance on absence for religious observance.

The school may consider providing individual support for pupils who miss sessions on days exclusively set apart for religious observance.

Applying the plan

When considering a measure, the school should consider whether it is proportionate, feasible in its local circumstances, and responsive to the views and needs of affected pupils and families.

Any measure adopted under this plan should be applied only where the school or local authority has chosen to address the effects of religious observance on attendance and attainment.