Attendance at Harlow Fields School and College

We want every child to succeed, and attending school regularly is a big part of this. We work closely with families, the Local Authority, and the Essex Wellbeing and Attendance Support Service (EWASS) to support good attendance.

When to Keep Your Child at Home

  • Illness: If your child is unwell (including 48 hours after sickness/diarrhoea).

  • Medical appointments: Please try to book outside school hours.

  • Infectious diseases: e.g. chickenpox or measles, for the recommended period.

  • Suspensions/exclusions.

  • Exceptional leave only.

 

How to Report an Absence

  • Phone: 01279 423670

  • Email: admin@harlowfields.essex.sch.uk

Parents must notify the school by 8:00am on the morning of the first day of absence.
When reporting, please provide:

  • Your child’s name

  • Their class

  • The reason for absence

  • The expected return date

If the absence continues, please update the school each morning.

 

Our Approach to Attendance

We follow a supportive, stepped process to help families with attendance:

  1. Early conversations when absence is becoming a concern.

  2. Support plans and meetings to understand barriers.

  3. Formal attendance contracts if issues continue.

  4. Warning letters or “Notices to Improve” where necessary.

  5. Legal action (Penalty Notices or referral to Court) if there is no improvement.

 

Why Attendance Matters

  • 90% attendance = 4 weeks missed per year.

  • Arriving more than 30 minutes late counts as an absence.

  • Good attendance improves both learning and wellbeing.

 

More Information

 

Useful Links and Guidance for Families:

Important Pre-Referral Considerations (Word, 36KB)
Download here

Schools and Professionals Guide to Developing a Formal Attendance Contract
Download here

Essex Requirements When Communicating Attendance Information to Families – Advice for Essex Schools September 2024 (Word, 26KB)
Download here

Helping Parents and Schools Understand the National Threshold for Penalty Notice Fines and Prosecution for School Attendance (Word, 40KB)
Download here

DfE Guide for Parents on School Attendance and Responsibilities
Download here

Essex County Council Code of Conduct: Penalty Notices for School Absence/Suspended Pupils
Download here

Essex Schools and Professionals Guide to Notices to Improve (Word, 33KB)
Download here

Harlow Fields School and College Attendance Policy (under policies on our website)

Attendance FAQs

What time should I notify the school if my child is absent?
You must contact the school by 8:00am on the morning of the absence. If the absence continues, please update us each day.

What time should my child arrive at school?
Pupils should arrive on time each morning. Arriving more than 30 minutes after the register closes will count as an absence.

What if my child is late?
If your child arrives late, please report to the office to sign them in. Persistent lateness may affect attendance records.

Do I need a doctor’s note for illness?
Not usually. Parents’ notification is normally enough, but for longer absences or repeated illness, we may ask for medical evidence.

What if my child has ongoing health needs?
Please speak to us. We can make reasonable adjustments, support plans, and referrals (including EWASS and Early Help) to make sure your child still accesses education.

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
No. Term-time holidays will not be authorised unless in very exceptional circumstances. Unauthorised leave may result in a Penalty Notice.

Who can I talk to about attendance concerns?
Our Senior Attendance Champion is Kathleen M Faherty (Headteacher). You can email: head@harlowfields.sch.essex.gov.uk