Absence
Absence due to Illness
If your child is unable to attend school due to illness, please notify the school office by telephone or in person by 9am each day of illness. Should a child not be at registration and notification of illness hasn’t been received, our policy is to:
a) Send a non-attendance text in the first instance
b) Telephone the first contact
c) Telephone the second contact and any subsequent contacts listed
It is essential that we are told of a child’s absence to ensure the safety of all children at our school.
If you are unable to notify us in person, you can contact us as follows ensuring you state the name of your child, class name and reason for absence as early as possible but no later than 9am each day:
- by telephone on 01444 400291, select Option 1 to leave a message on the absence line.
- email us at office@handcross.w-sussex.sch.uk
Children with vomiting and diarrhea must be kept off school for a minimum of 48 hours after the last bout of illness. They may only return to school 48 hours after their symptoms disappear.
For more details, please refer to our Attendance Policy (Our School / Policies)
Holiday in Term Time Procedures
Children attending Handcross Primary School are not allowed days absence for holidays. Any absence, other than for illness or emergency medical attention, will be coded as Unauthorised (G - Family holiday not agreed) or (O - Unauthorised). We will require evidence of such appointments.
Parents must request any planned absence with the school at least 2 weeks before with full details of dates and complete the ‘Exceptional Circumstances Form’ stating why they are removing their child during term time. This is given to the Headteacher for consideration. Please note only exceptional circumstances will be authorised.
Any unauthorised absence which exceeds 5 days within a 10 week period is liable for a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).
