Every Day Counts

At William Harding School, we believe that excellent attendance is vital for every child’s success. Regular attendance helps pupils to make the most of their learning opportunities, build positive relationships and develop the confidence they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

Research consistently shows a strong link between good attendance and academic achievement. Children who attend school regularly are more likely to:

• Achieve their full potential academically

• Keep up with learning and make good progress

• Develop strong friendships and social skills

• Feel settled within school routines

• Build confidence and resilience

• Make successful transitions between primary school, secondary school, further education and employment

• Benefit from the support, care and opportunities available in school

We encourage all pupils to achieve 100% attendance wherever possible and work closely with families to support regular attendance.

Working Together

We recognise that every family can face challenges that may affect attendance from time to time. If you are experiencing difficulties and need support, please contact the school as early as possible. Working together helps us ensure that every child has the best possible opportunity to succeed.

Reporting An Absence

We understand that children will occasionally be unwell and unable to attend school. If your child is absent, please inform the school before 8:50am on each day of absence.

You can report your child’s absence by:

Telephone: 01296 421733 (Option 1) or ✉️ Email: attendance@williamharding.school

Please note that we require parents/carers to contact the school on every day of absence, even if the reason for absence remains unchanged.

If we do not receive a reason for your child’s absence, or if the explanation provided is not satisfactory, the absence may be recorded as unauthorised. In some circumstances, a member of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) team may carry out a welfare visit.

Term Time Leave and Holidays

The Government and Buckinghamshire Council expect children to attend school during term time. As a result, William Harding School is unable to authorise holidays or extended leave during the school term unless there are exceptional circumstances. Parents and carers are strongly encouraged to arrange family holidays during school holiday periods.

Term Time Leave and Holidays

If you believe there are exceptional circumstances that require your child to be absent from school during term time, you should complete an Exceptional Circumstances Request Form and submit this to the Headteacher for consideration. Each request is considered on an individual basis, and a member of the school’s leadership team will notify you of the outcome.

Unauthorised Absence and Penalty Notices

As a Buckinghamshire Council school, we are required to follow local authority guidance regarding unauthorised absences. Where absence is unauthorised, the school may refer the case to the Local Authority, who may issue a Penalty Notice.

This may result in:

• A Penalty Notice of £120 per parent/carer, per child

• Reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days

• Increased to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days

Failure to pay within 28 days may result in legal proceedings under Section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996.

If convicted, parents/carers may:

• Receive a criminal record

• Be fined up to £1,000

Please note that any fines are payable directly to the Local Authority. The school does not receive any financial benefit from Penalty Notices.