Attendance

At Fairlands Primary School, we believe that excellent attendance is essential for every child’s success. Being in school every day helps children to learn, grow, and thrive socially and academically.

Why Attendance Matters

• Children who attend school regularly achieve more.
• Good attendance supports wellbeing and builds strong routines.
• Absence can disrupt learning and affect progress.

Our Expectations

• Pupils must attend school every day unless there are exceptional circumstances.
• Only the Headteacher can authorise absences.
• Parents must ensure their child arrives on time and attends every session.

Reporting Absence

If your child is absent, you must:

1. Contact the school as early as possible, but definitely before 9.20am on the first day of absence.
2. Continue to contact the school each day of the absence.
3. Provide medical evidence if requested.

You can report absence via:

• Phone: 01438 351053
• Arbor app
• Email: admin@fairlands.herts.sch.uk
• Text: 07970 731154

Authorising Absence

Parents and carers should be aware that only absences which are unavoidable, or for exceptional reasons, will be authorised. 

Persistent & Severe Absence

• Persistent Absence: Attendance below 90%.
• Severe Absence: Attendance below 50%.

We work closely with families to support improved attendance and may involve external agencies if needed.

Lateness

Being late affects learning and wellbeing. Children arriving after registration starts (8.50am for most pupils) will be marked as late.

School Day Timings:

• Reception–Year 6: 8.40am–3.20pm
• Nursery AM: 8.30am–11.30am
• Nursery PM: 12.30pm–3.30pm

Leave of Absence

• Holidays during term time are not permitted unless there are exceptional circumstances.
• Requests must be made in writing using the school’s form.
• Unauthorised leave may result in Hertfordshire County Council issuing a fixed penalty of up £80 per child, per parent.

Support for Families

We understand that some children face barriers to attendance. We offer:

• Individual support plans
• Family meetings
• Referrals to external services
• Reasonable adjustments for medical or SEND needs

Key Contacts

• Daily Attendance Queries: School Office, via admin@fairlands.herts.sch.uk or 01438 351053
• Headteacher: Mr Robert Staples – head@fairlands.herts.sch.uk
• Individual Support: Amy McCullagh – amymccullagh@fairlands.herts.sch.uk

Legal Framework

Attendance is a legal requirement. Penalty notices may be issued after 10 sessions of unauthorised absence within a 10-week period. Continued non-attendance may lead to prosecution.