Absence, Attendance & Medical 

Child Absence

If your child is going to be absent from school please ring before 9:30am on the first day.

You will be able to leave a message stating name, class and reason for absence. If a specific reason has not been left we may call you back. When a child is absent from school and no call has been received, we will call you to find out why your child is not in school.
Please ring the absence line on 01279 630 120

For information and guidance when your child is ill, please click on the Childhood Illnesses Information form.

Childhood Illnesses Information

Leave of Absence from school

Term Time is school time - regulations state that we cannot grant leave of absence to a pupil except where an application has been made in advance and there are exceptional circumstances (this is a leave of absence which we feel would be of unique and significant emotional, educational or spiritual value to the child which outweighs the loss of teaching time). Application in writing must be made to the Attendance Manager. Any leave of absence that has not been authorised will be referred to the Missing Education and Child Employment Service. Leave taken without permission of the Head Teacher will be recorded as unauthorised, and you may be liable to a Penalty Notice resulting in a £60 fine per child, per parent. (Rising to £120 if not paid within 28 days).

Attendance

Our school target is 97%.

Each week in assembly we present a trophy to the class with the best attendance. They get to keep the cup in their class for the week.

At the end of each term, children who have achieved attendance of 98% and above are celebrated. Children with 100% are entered into a prize draw.

How do I let the school know about medical and hospital appointments?

If the appointment really can’t be organised outside of school hours then you’ll need to write a letter to the School Office. 

The letter should state the date, time and type of appointment e.g. hospital, doctors etc and be accompanied by a copy of the actual appointment letter as well.

What should I do if my child is unwell and unable to go to school?

If your child is going to be absent from school please ring before 9:30am. 

You will be able to leave a message stating name, class and reason for absence.  When your child is absent and no call has been received, we will call you to find out why your child is not in school.  Depending on the amount of time your child has off school we may require medical evidence.

When your child returns to school, send in a letter to explain the absence.

How will the school let me know if it’s closed due to snow?

Whilst the school is determined always to stay open, severe weather can mean that it isn’t safe for pupils to be in school. 

On these occasions the school uses their website, ParentMail and Heart radio to inform parents.  

We will also inform Heart FM-VHF/FM 102.6, 96.3, www.heart.co.uk/essex. Please listen to one of these stations or check their websites for information and updates but please do not ring the radio station.