Hertingfordbury Cowper C of E (VA) Primary School are committed to achieving excellent levels of teaching, learning, behaviour and attendance.  We aim to maximise attendance rates to ensure that all children are able to take the fullest advantage of the learning experiences available to them.  Underpinning this commitment is the belief that if children attend school regularly and punctually they will be better equipped to go forward into adulthood, living life in all its fullness.

At Hertingfordbury Cowper C of E (VA) Primary School, we work closely in partnership with our parents to achieve excellent levels of school attendance and punctuality for all pupils.  We are committed to reaching the Government's target for school attendance of 96% and above. 

If your child is away for one week, they will miss - 5 hours of Mathematics lessons, 5 hours of English lessons, 5 Phonics sessions.  We want to maximise your child's learning opportunities and potential. 

Please see the document below which highlights the impact of absence on lost learning hours.

Please see our Attendance Policy below for further information.

If your child is absent from school due to sickness please contact the school office before 9.15am on the first day of absence, and continue to contact the school each morning until their return.  This is part of our safeguarding duty.

If you need further advice on keeping your child off due to sickness please take a look at this link from the NHS.

The school register closes at 8.50am, children arriving after this time will need to come into school via the main school office and will be recorded as late.

The school office can be contacted on 01992 583239 or via email attendance@hertingfordbury.herts.sch.uk to report a child's absence from school.

The Headteacher and Chair of Governors will only authorise leave of absence in exceptional circumstances.  If a leave request is granted, it will be for the Headteacher and Chair of Governors to determine the length of time that the child can be away from school.  Even in cases where exceptional leave of absence is sought, the school will consider a child's progress, attainment and attendance pattern and may refuse to authorise absence.  Leave will not be granted for the purpose of a family holiday as there are 190 statutory school days in one year, thus leaving 175 days available to use for holidays.

Should you need to request an absence (including for medical appointments), please complete the form below and return to the school office.  We recommend this is completed at least two weeks before the absence is needed.