Attendance
As a school we regard regular attendance as critical to pupil progress and in recent years we have invested a great deal of time and effort into improving attendance. The expectation is over 96% for your child to achieve their potential and to get the most out of the opportunities offered in school. If your child’s is below 95% and continues to drop, this is of some concern to us. If your child’s attendance is below 90%, it is likely that you will be asked for evidence for absences in order for them to be authorised. Evidence can be in the form of GP appointment card, hospital letters or prescriptions.
All holidays, in line with Government policy, are no longer authorised. If you are taking a child out of school for a holiday, please come to the school office to collect a school form in order that you can inform us.
Unauthorised absences are: holidays taken in term time, where a child arrives late after the register has closed or if you do not give a valid reason for their absence. If your child’s attendance is low and you have been asked for evidence which has not been supplied, this will also be an unauthorised absence.
Ongoing unauthorised absences can lead to a fixed penalty notice being issued by the Local Authority. This is a fine of £60 if paid within 21 days rising to £120 if paid by 28 days. If this fine is not paid, parents may be prosecuted for their child’s poor attendance.
If you have concerns about your child’s attendance and would like support, please call the school for a meeting. If appropriate we can refer you to: The School Nurse, Family Support worker or other agencies for some support.
One aspect we consider important is prompt communication between Home and School when your child is unavoidably absent. There are several ways to report your child’s absence. You can call the school office as soon as possible that morning on 01438 235550. Alternatively you can report your child's absence via Studybugs app, Arbor app via In-app messages or email admin@featherstonewood.herts.sch.uk leaving your child’s name and reason for their absence. Stating that your child is just unwell is insufficient and you may be contacted for further information. Of course children fall ill on occasions but we would encourage you to send your child into school. They may well, once engaged in learning, feel better but if they deteriorate we will call you straight away. Please ensure that school has your current telephone number and address in case of an emergency.
You will be aware that an attendance trophy is awarded to the class with the highest attendance each week in a celebration assembly. This news is also in the newsletter.
100% attendance certificates are awarded to those children who have attended school every day for that particular half term.
Special badges will be awarded to children with outstanding attendance at the end of the school year. We will let you know if your child is receiving an award so that you can attend the celebration assembly.
Please click for the Attendance Policy
Statutory Attendance Support Team Penalty Notice Fines Sept 2024
