Attendance
Hillcroft Primary School firmly believes that all children benefit from regular school attendance. A full and uninterrupted presence gives children the opportunity to fulfil their academic and social potential and also contributes significantly to establishing a positive learning and work ethic.
The school recognises the importance of school holidays (12 weeks per year) for children to rest, recuperate and enjoy spending quality time together as a family.
Term time leave will not be authorised. ‘Exceptional circumstances request’ would need to be evidence based where possible.
Regular and significant absence may initiate involvement with the Surrey County Council Inclusion Officer and result in possible Penalty Charges and legal action. Please see the attendance policy for full details.
The attendance officer monitors attendance daily, weekly and termly. If absence falls below 90% a 1st concern letter may be sent, requiring improvement in attendance, if absence continues a 2nd concern letter will be sent, if no improvement, the parent/carer will be asked to attend a meeting to discuss the barriers preventing attendance and support will be offered from school. Further time will be given to allow for improvement, however if the attendance does not significantly improve we may refer to our Surrey Inclusion Officer.
If absence is left unreported despite contact from school it will be classified as unauthorised and a welfare check may be carried out.
Reporting Sickness and Absence
- If your child is absent, please phone / email the school by 8.40am on the first day of absence and, each subsequent day of absence, if applicable.
- Please report your child’s absence via telephone on 01883342606 or via email on office@hillcroftschool.org
- If you do not report your child’s absence then a text or email will be sent to establish why they are not in school.
- For medical appointments during the school day, notification is required in advance. Confirmation of appointments must be shown to the school office. Routine appointments should be made outside of school hours.
What happens if my child is late or unwell?
Parents/Carers are required to phone / email the school office on the first day of a child’s absence and phone every day until the child returns to school. Please ensure you give the child’s full name, class and the reason for the absence. If a suitable reason for the absence is not forthcoming it will be classified as unauthorised.
Late arrivals for school will need to be signed into the school office (after 8.40am). If your child is late after the registers have been taken they will be classified as absent, unless attending medical appointments etc.
In order for your children to maximise their progress in school it is expected that all children arrive in school on time. Arriving late for school can be incredibly unsettling for children, this impacts on a child’s ability to learn and can cause a level of anxiety in some children as their class has already settled in. Therefore, entering late can lead to an unfulfilling day for the child.
Sickness & Medications/ Common childhood illnesses
When should I keep my child off school?
The Following NHS guidelines state;
- Chicken pox; for at least 5 days from the onset of rash and until all blisters have crusted over
- Diarrhoea and vomiting; return 48 hours after last episode of either
- Cold and flu like illnesses; if your child has no temperature then minor symptoms can be managed at school. With a temperature, keep them home until this has subsided and they are feeling well enough.
- Impetigo; Keep your child home until all sores have crusted and healed or 48 hours after they have started antibiotics.
- Measles; Keep your child home until at least 4 days after the rash first appeared.
- Mumps; keep your child home for 5 days after the swelling started
- Scarlet Fever; keep your child home until 24 hours after starting antibiotics
- Whooping Cough; keep your child home until 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
Children can attend school with;
- Hand Foot and Mouth, if they are well enough.
- Head Lice; Please ensure you treat the child/family according to the treatment, and repeat as instructed. Also, please let school know as soon as you are aware.
- Threadworms; Please treat accordingly and ensure hand hygiene is practiced often.
- Slapped Cheek
- Tonsillitis
Calpol may be administered in school if you feel there is a need for your child throughout the school day. Please speak to office staff who will provide a medication form to be completed. Where possible please supply the Calpol/paracetamol as we have only limited emergency supply.
Antibiotics can be administered again with a medication form, however only if the medication is needed 3 or more times a day.
A high temperature is classified as 38 degrees. If your child has a temperature during the school day, we will contact you to come and collect them. Please do not send your child/Children into school with a high temperature. Always seek medical advice from your GP.
