Attendance
At Hilldene Primary School we believe that good school attendance gives children the opportunity of success and helps develop skills for life. We believe it is important that all children attend school every day.
Every day counts and is an opportunity to learn and develop both academically and socially.
Absence from School
Absence from school is divided into two kinds: authorised and unauthorised. The government is very concerned about the level of unauthorised absence and each school must now publish statistics showing the level of unauthorised absence.
If for any reason your child is absent from school due to illness or accident, please notify the school by telephone by 9.00am. Without an explanation, the absence will be regarded as unauthorised. Home visits may be conducted.
Full attendance at school is essential to a good education. We cannot regard an absence as authorised if it could have been avoided. For example, if your child is ill, absence is generally unavoidable, however, absence to look after a younger child, for a birthday or for a family celebration is avoidable and alternative arrangements should always be made in such circumstances.
In order to support good attendance, please make medical or dental appointments outside of the school day where possible. If this is not possible, please inform the school office of the appointment well in advance, especially if it is an early morning appointment and you wish to book a lunch for that day. If the appointment takes place during the day, an adult must collect the child from the school. Children will not be allowed out alone. The person collecting the child must report to the school office.
Absence from school is divided into two kinds: authorised and unauthorised. The government is very concerned about the level of unauthorised absence and each school must now publish statistics showing the level of unauthorised absence.
If for any reason your child is absent from school due to illness or accident, please notify the school by telephone by 9.00am. Without an explanation, the absence will be regarded as unauthorised. Home visits may be conducted.
Full attendance at school is essential to a good education. We cannot regard an absence as authorised if it could have been avoided. For example, if your child is ill, absence is generally unavoidable, however, absence to look after a younger child, for a birthday or for a family celebration is avoidable and alternative arrangements should always be made in such circumstances.
In order to support good attendance, please make medical or dental appointments outside of the school day where possible. If this is not possible, please inform the school office of the appointment well in advance, especially if it is an early morning appointment and you wish to book a lunch for that day. If the appointment takes place during the day, an adult must collect the child from the school. Children will not be allowed out alone. The person collecting the child must report to the school office.
Holidays
Regular attendance at school is essential if your child is to make good progress with his/her education. Therefore, family holidays should be arranged in the school holiday periods. Leave of absence requests for holidays are unable to be authorised. Term time leave may result in a penalty notice from Havering Council in accordance with Government policy. There are no holidays allowed during term time. The local authority works closely with the school to track absences. It is possible to receive a fine or to be summoned to court for absenting your child.
It is amazing how quickly absence can mount up, please look at the table below which shows how absence equates to learning time lost. If your child’s attendance needs to improve, we will make contact and offer support.
Punctuality
Our gates open at 8.30am and doors open at 8.40am when the school day begins. Children that arrive once the registers have closed will be given an unauthorised mark which will affect their overall attendance percentage.
Important Contacts
Mrs Reed – School Attendance Officer – office@hilldene.havering.sch.uk
Reporting an Absence
1) Phone the school and leave a voicemail message (01708 342453)
2) Email the school office office@hilldene.havering.sch.uk
4) Report an absence in person at the School Office (by 9am on the day of the absence)
Havering Council guidance for schools to follow where absences have not been reported
- Make a telephone call using the contact list (call everyone on the contact list). Leave messages if there is a voicemail option and/or text message.
- Call the contact list again.
- Consider making a home visit. If you cannot get an answer at a home visit refer immediately to Social Services or the Police.
- If a home visit is not possible, refer to Social Services or the Police.
Policy and Procedures
Absence Escalation and Support Process
Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you have any questions or concerns : 01708 342453 / office@hilldene.havering.sch.uk / www.hilldene.havering.sch.uk/contact-us