Attendance Information for Harlow Fields School and College
Pupil Absence: Guidelines for Parents and Guardians
At Harlow Fields School and College, we understand that there are times when pupils may be unable to attend school. It is essential to manage absences effectively to support our pupils' education and well-being. Below are the circumstances under which pupils should not attend school and the procedures for reporting an absence.
When Should Pupils Not Attend School?
Pupils should not attend school under the following circumstances:
· Illness: If a pupil is unwell, whether due to physical or mental health issues, they should remain at home. Common illnesses include colds, flu, stomach bugs, and other contagious conditions. If a pupil experiences diarrhoea or vomiting, they should stay home for at least 48 hours after their last episode to prevent the spread of illness. Parents are encouraged to notify the school of their child's absence as soon as possible to ensure proper record-keeping and support for the pupil's return.
· Medical Appointments: Pupils may need to attend medical or dental appointments during school hours. In such cases, parents should inform the school in advance.
· Infectious Diseases: If a pupil has been diagnosed with an infectious disease (e.g., chickenpox, measles), they should stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others. Guidance from health authorities should be followed regarding the duration of absence.
· Travel Disruptions: In cases of widespread travel disruption due to emergencies (e.g., severe weather, transport strikes), pupils may be unable to attend school.
· Exclusions: If a pupil is suspended or excluded from school, they will not attend until alternative provisions are arranged.
· Holidays: If a pupil is taken out of school for a holiday that has not been approved by the school, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
How to Report an Absence
To ensure that absences are recorded accurately, please follow these steps:
1. Notify the School: Parents or guardians should inform the school on the first day of absence by calling the school office or sending an email to admin@harlowfields.essex.sch.uk.
2. Provide Details: When reporting an absence, please include the pupil's name, class, the reason for the absence, and the expected duration.
3. Follow-Up: If the absence extends beyond one day, please provide updates to the school regarding the pupil's condition and expected return date.
4. Medical Evidence: In most cases, a parent's notification is sufficient. However, there may be times when the school requests medical evidence.
5. Return to School: Once the pupil is well enough to return, please ensure they are ready to engage in their learning and catch up on any missed work (where possible).
Attending school is crucial for pupils as it not only supports their academic attainment but also plays a significant role in their overall well-being and future life chances. The law mandates that every child of compulsory school age is entitled to receive a full-time education suitable to their age and special educational needs. Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly, except in specific circumstances such as illness or pre-approved absences. Failure to comply with this legal obligation can result in prosecution by the local authority, highlighting the seriousness of maintaining school attendance. Regular attendance is particularly vital for vulnerable pupils, as it serves as a protective factor against various risks, including involvement in crime and other negative outcomes. Therefore, fostering a supportive and engaging school environment is essential to encourage consistent attendance, which is foundational to a pupil's success and development.
Our Commitment to Attendance
At Harlow Fields School and College, we believe that regular attendance is crucial for the success and well-being of our pupils. We are committed to working collaboratively with families to ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Our Senior Attendance Champion
Our Senior Attendance Champion is the Assistant Headteacher for Relationships. They are dedicated to promoting high attendance standards and supporting families in overcoming barriers to regular school attendance. If you have any concerns regarding attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Contact Information:
· Email: admin@harlowfields.essex.sch.uk
· Phone: 01279 423670
Attendance Roadmap
In line with the DfE Statutory Guidance (in force from 19th August 2024), we offer a supportive, stepped approach to attendance. Our Attendance Roadmap outlines the steps we take to identify, assess, and support pupils to improve their attendance.
Step 1: Identify, Assess & Prevent
· Data Monitoring: We assess attendance data to identify trends and patterns of absence.
· Preventative Conversations: Engage in discussions with families when absence is at risk of reaching the National Threshold (10 sessions within a 10-week rolling period).
· Positive Promotion: Use praise and incentives to promote good attendance.
Step 2: Early Absence Support
· Supportive Action Plans: Create action plans through discussions and meetings to identify reasonable adjustments needed for pupils.
· Early Help Assessment (EHA): May be required for some support to be accessed, alongside a Team Around the Family (TAF) Meeting Process.
· Swift Follow-Up: Contact parents on the first day of absence to ensure safeguarding and understanding of the situation.
Step 3: Formalised Support
· Attendance Contracts (AC): If initial support is unsuccessful, an Attendance Contract will be offered to formalise support. This is a nurturing plan of improvement lasting 3-6 months.
· Regular Reviews: Set and review achievable, individual targets regularly, seeking medical or other information as needed.
Step 4: Warnings - Concerns Remain
· Formal Warning: If absence continues, a 'Formal Warning' will be issued if the AC has failed or a 'Notice to Improve' Letter if no AC is appropriate.
· Family Court Orders: Consideration of Education Supervision Orders as an alternative to prosecution.
Step 5: Legal Action - No Improvement
· Penalty Notices & Legal Action: If unauthorised absence continues, legal action may be requested from the Local Authority.
o 1st Offence: £160 fine per parent, per child for Term Time Leave or irregular attendance (10 sessions of unauthorised absence or more) if paid within 28 days. Reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.
o 2nd Offence: £160 fine per parent, per child within 3 years, no reduction available.
o 3rd Offence: No penalty notice considered; case presented to Magistrates' Court under s444(1) or (1a) of the Education Act, with potential fines of up to £2500 per parent, per child.
Important Attendance Facts
· Did you know? 90% attendance equals 4 weeks of absence over a year.
· Did you know? 90% attendance equates to approximately 95 missed lessons/hours of learning.
· Did you know? Arriving after the register has closed (30 minutes from school starting) counts as an absence.
· Did you know? Good attendance increases academic success!
Please talk to us about how we can support you and/or your child at any time.
Attendance Policy
We have a clear and comprehensive attendance policy that outlines our expectations and procedures. This policy ensures that all leaders, staff, pupils, and parents understand their roles and responsibilities regarding attendance.
Key Components of Our Attendance Policy:
· Promoting Good Attendance: Actively promote and incentivise good attendance through various initiatives and recognition programmes.
· Understanding Barriers: Work closely with families to identify and understand any barriers to attendance, focusing on supportive solutions.
· Monitoring Attendance: Attendance is closely monitored, and we will engage with families when attendance patterns indicate a need for support.
· Legal Framework: Adhere to the guidelines set out by the Department for Education regarding attendance legal interventions.
· Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with parents and carers to discuss attendance concerns and work together to find solutions.
Attendance Expectations
We expect all pupils to attend school regularly and arrive on time. If your child is unable to attend due to illness or other reasons, please inform the school as soon as possible.
Reporting Absences:
· Phone: 01279 423670
· Email: admin@harlowfields.essex.sch.uk
Conclusion
At Harlow Fields School and College, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of high attendance and supporting our pupils and families in achieving this goal. Together, we can ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to succeed.