Attendance and punctuality

Attending school regularly plays a vital part in successful learning.

The Department for Education states that parents are expected to:

• Ensure their child attends every day the school is open except when a statutory reason applies.
• Notify the school as soon as possible when their child has to be unexpectedly absent (e.g. sickness).
• Only request leave of absence in exceptional circumstances and do so in advance.
• Book any medical appointments around the school day where possible

The government sets a target for each child to attend school at least 96% of the time - at Sauncey Wood, we expect to at least meet this target and aim to exceed it!  Each term we celebrate those children who have achieved 100% attendance with a certificate. 

Unplanned absence

If your child is absent from school, please contact the school office on 01582 621514 before 9.20am on the morning of each absence to let us know the reason and the likely return date.  You can leave a message if the office is closed or alternatively you can email the school via admin@saunceywood.herts.sch.uk

If we have not heard from you, the school office will be in touch and will telephone emergency contacts if we are unable to reach a parent.

Planned absence

Once your children are of statutory school age, you do not have the automatic right to take them out of school during term time.  By law, you have to request permission from the Headteacher for your child to miss school for any reason.

'Parental Leave Request' forms are available from the school office and must be completed in advance for all planned absences.  Absences will generally only be authorised for events such as approved sporting activities, religious observance and non-routine medical appointments.

Other absences, including holidays taken during term time, will not be authorised. 

Unauthorised absence from school

Absences of ten sessions (the equivalent of five school days) in the current or previous term within a rolling ten school week period, could result in a parent/guardian being liable to a Penalty Notice for each child, or the subject of court proceedings which could result in a fine of up to £2,500. The ten-week period can span different terms or school years.

Punctuality

Just as important as good attendance is punctuality - every minute counts!