At Harston and Newton Primary School, we expect all children on roll to attend every day when the school is in session, provided they are fit and healthy. Good attendance is vital for learning and progress, and we do all we can to encourage children to attend regularly. We believe the most important factor in promoting attendance is helping children develop positive attitudes towards school. Our aim is to make school a happy, rewarding experience for every child.
Absence
By law, parents must ensure their children attend school regularly and punctually. Absences are classified as either authorised or unauthorised:
- Authorised absences may include illness, medical or dental appointments, and religious observances.
- Unauthorised absences are those not permitted by the school, such as holidays during term time or unexplained absences.
Lateness
- The school day begins at 8.50 a.m. and registration closes at 9.00 a.m.
- Children arriving after 9.00 a.m. must sign in at the school office. This will be recorded as L (late).
- Arrivals more than 10 minutes after registration closes will be marked as an unauthorised absence.
Illness
If your child is absent or unavoidably late, please contact the school office by 8.30 a.m. either by:
- Email: office@harstonnewton.cambs.sch.uk
- Telephone: 01223 870345 (messages can be left on the answerphone if the office is unmanned).
Please provide your child’s name, class, and the specific reason for absence (e.g., high temperature, cough, chickenpox). “Unwell” is not sufficient.
If your child is absent for more than one day, please contact the school daily unless you have already confirmed the expected length of absence.
Children who have suffered sickness or diarrhoea must remain at home for at least 48 hours after the last episode.
It is essential that we hold an up‑to‑date daytime telephone number so we can contact parents if a child becomes ill or has an accident.
Collecting Before 3.20 p.m.
If your child needs to leave school early for an appointment:
- Please complete a form from the school office, stating the collection time.
- Children will only be released to parents or authorised adults known to the school.
- All children must be signed out at the school office.
Leave of Absence
Children should attend all sessions to make the best possible progress. Requests for leave of absence will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.
- Holiday requests will not be authorised.
- Requests must be made well in advance using a Leave of Absence form (available from the school office or downloadable from our website).
- Parents/carers will be informed whether the request meets the criteria for authorised absence.
Unauthorised Absence
Unauthorised absence (truancy) is defined as:
- Any absence without a suitable explanation.
- Arriving more than 10 minutes after registration closes.
Unauthorised absences are recorded on your child’s school report. National truancy figures are collected from all schools during the summer term.