Absence Protocol

At the Crabtree Schools we believe that every child should be given the best possible chance of succeeding, we are here to support you and all of our pupils in the best way possible.

Parents are expected to contact the school if a child is absent by telephone or email by 8.30am. If a child is absent and we have not been notified the office will contact parents.

If you know that your child will need to be absent from school for any reason other than absence, you will need to complete an absence request form. Please click here for an 'Application for leave of absence from school during term time' form. These should be returned to the school offices two weeks prior to the absence.

 From 19th August 2024, a new National Framework has been put in place for Penalty Notice Fines being issued for unauthorised absences.

For further information please read our 'Attendance Policy', 'Local code of Conduct - Penalty Notices for Unauthorised Absence Hertfordshire Based School', 'Hertfordshire Statutory Attendance Support Team Penalty Notice Fines' and the 'Crabtree School Attendance Information for Parents' documents.

Please see the table below showing expectations and the impact of absence on days and hours of learning lost. The expectation is that every pupil attending the Crabtree Schools maintains an attendance level of 96% or above.

The class teacher will let you know your child's attendance % throughout the year.

Autumn Term Parents Consultations (verbal)
Spring Term Parents Consultations (verbal)
Summer Term School Report (written)

In cases of persistent absence, we will request medical authorisation before we mark an absence as illness. Please note that it is ultimately our decision how we mark absence in our registers. It is a legal responsibility of parents to ensure your child has an excellent attendance otherwise you may be fined.

While we appreciate that some children are unwell from time to time and there can be exceptional circumstances for absences, please think carefully before allowing your child to be off school. Holidays will not be authorised. Persistent absence is proven to have a major impact on pupil performance and personal development.