Attendance

Regular school attendance is vital for children's academic growth, social development, emotional well-being, and the establishment of positive habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Encouraging consistent attendance helps children make the most of their educational experiences and sets them on a path to success.

Procedure for Reporting Pupil Absence

Please notify the school by 9.00am on the first day of sickness absence, either via telephone (01462 620406) or email (admin@icknieldinfants.herts.sch.uk). If there is no answer on the telephone, please leave a voicemail on the answerphone.

Procedure for Requesting Term-Time Leave

Permission is required from the Headteacher for term-time leave. Applications must be made in advance by the parent with whom the child normally resides - please visit the school office to request a form, which must be completed and returned to the school office. Leave will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. 

Absence Recording

Absences are recorded in the class register. Any absence without an adequate explanation will be recorded as unauthorised. Frequent absences and unauthorised absences will be brought to the attention of the Headteacher and reviewed by the Herts County Council Attendance Team.

Absences may be authorised for: 

• Sickness;
• Days of religious observance;
• Unavoidable medical or dental appointments (please arrange outside school hours wherever possible).   

Attendance Expectations

Good attendance is defined as being in school for at least 95% of the time, equating to no more than 8 days off per school year.

Unauthorised absences where no contact has been received can lead to the school making unauthorised welfare home visits to ensure the child's wellbeing.