Attendance Information

Absence during term time for family holidays is not permitted and other absences are only authorised under exceptional, unavoidable circumstances such as illness. We expect children to attend school every day it is open to them and so absence during term time can only be approved in ‘exceptional circumstances’- circumstances which we define as ‘rare, significant, unavoidable and short’. It is extremely unlikely that absences like family holidays would be considered exceptional circumstances under this definition and therefore authorised. It is important to note that parents may incur a fixed penalty if children are kept off school without authorisation. Full details can be found in the School’s Attendance Policy.

At Higham Primary School, we expect 100% attendance for all pupils where possible and where this is not the case, attendance letters and penalty notices will be issued accordingly.

As of September 2024, all holiday and absence requests must be submitted by completing the ‘leave of absence request form’ and sent in to Mrs Richards. Email notification will no longer be accepted.

For all attendance/absence queries, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Richards via admin@higham.kent.sch.uk.

MEDICAL INFO

For all illnesses within the school, we follow guidelines set out by the NHS. This image provides clear guidance for parents on childhood illnesses and if they should be absent and if so, when they can return to school. Following these guidelines will hopefully reduce these illnesses being spread.

To clarify: 

Green- Child can attend school, providing they have received the correct treatment prior to attending. 

Orange- Restrictions around attending school, absence period required. Please check for details of required absence period. 

Red- Children cannot attend school, parents should contact GP. School absence period required, please check for more details.