Reporting Absence
We know that from time to time children will be off school. Hillmorton Primary School has a legal obligation to ensure that all children on roll must receive a 'mark' for attendance or non-attendance. Within the DfE statutory guidance for attendance (WTTISA), there are multi registration marks that must be followed. This means that when a child is off school, we have a legal obligation to ensure that the correct code is used to reflect the absence.
Below is the process for reporting absence and how the school will respond:
- Please ensure that you contact the school, preferably by phone 01788 544309, before 9am; registration closes at 9.30am
- A reason must be given for the child's absence. Please note that 'unwell' will NOT be accepted as a reason for a child's absence. If a parent/carer does not give a suitable reason for absence, they will receive contact from the admin team. If they are unable to receive a suitable reason for absence, the child will be marked as unauthorised.
- If a suitable reason has been provided for the absence, this will be reflected in the code used on the child's registration certificate.
- If there is no communication with the school, contact will be made by 10am to establish the child's whereabouts.
- If the school have not received contact from the parent/carer then continued efforts will be made to establish the whereabouts of the child; this could include text, email and phone calls.
- If there is no contact for three days, on the third day a home visit will be completed by a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Attendance Support Team. Absence without contacting the school could result in discussions with the Children and Families Front Door.
- If a parent/carer does not inform the school of a child's location by the end of school day (3.30pm) the child will receive an unauthorised mark in the register. Please note that registers cannot be back dated or amended after the close of school day, 3.30pm.
- If a family have an allocated Social Worker, or are classified as vulnerable, a member of the Attendance Support Team (or applicable member of staff) will contact the relevant professionals.
- If it is felt that there could be immediate safeguarding concerns then a home visit will take place by a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Please note that any ongoing absences must be reported each day, if you have any concerns contact a member of the Attendance Support Team.