Attendance
Attendance and Absence
Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in helping children achieve their full potential. We work closely with families to promote excellent attendance and ensure every child has the best possible opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Reporting an Absence
If your child is unable to attend school, parents and carers should contact the school office by 9:00am on the day of the absence, either by telephone or email.
For the safety of all pupils, if we have not received notification of your child's absence by 9:15am, we will contact you using the details held on our records. Please ensure the school office always has your current contact information, particularly mobile phone numbers, as these can change regularly.
Attendance Expectations
At Falconer's Hill Infant School, we work hard to minimise unauthorised absences and promote excellent attendance.
Our attendance target is: 96% attendance or above
Research consistently shows that even relatively low levels of absence can have a significant impact on a child's learning, progress and achievement.
Children whose attendance falls below 85% will automatically be referred to our Attendance Officer for additional support and monitoring.
Term-Time Leave
The school does not authorise holidays during term time.
Any request for leave of absence during term time will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Family holidays would not normally be considered exceptional circumstances.
Parents and carers should submit any requests for leave in writing to the Headteacher in advance of the proposed absence.
Penalty Notices
In line with national guidance, Penalty Notices may be considered in the following circumstances:
- 5 consecutive days of unauthorised term-time leave, or
- 10 sessions of unauthorised absence within a 10-week period.
Penalty Notice fines are issued to each parent, for each child who was absent.
First Offence
The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for term-time leave or irregular attendance, the fine will be:
£160 per parent, per child
Reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.
Second Offence (Within 3 Years)
The second time a Penalty Notice is issued within a three-year period, the fine will be:
£160 per parent, per child
Payable within 28 days with no reduction available.
Third Offence (Within 3 Years)
If a third offence occurs within a three-year period, a Penalty Notice will not be issued.
Instead, the case may be referred directly to the Magistrates' Court, where fines of up to:
£2,500 per parent, per child may be imposed.
School Hours
Children are expected to attend school during the following hours:
Monday to Friday
8:45am to 3:25pm
Classroom doors open at 8:45am to allow children to settle into their learning and start the day promptly.
The classroom doors close at 8:50am. If you arrive after this time, please report to the school office where your child will need to be signed in before joining their class.
Arriving on time each day helps children establish positive routines, settle quickly and make the most of every learning opportunity.
