Information for Parents 

Attendance at Bonneygrove and Millbrook Primary Federation

At Bonneygrove and Millbrook Primary Federation, we believe that excellent attendance is essential for excellent outcomes. Regular school attendance supports children’s academic progress, wellbeing, friendships and long-term success.

We follow the Hertfordshire County Council Attendance Guidance and the most recent national framework from the Department for Education (DfE). You can view the full Hertfordshire guidance here:

Hertfordshire Attendance Guidance
https://thegrid.org.uk/admissions-attendance-travel-to-school/attendance/attendance-guidance

 

Why Attendance Matters

Children who attend school regularly:

• Make better academic progress
• Develop strong friendships and social skills
• Build positive routines and resilience
• Feel more confident and secure

Even small amounts of absence can have a significant impact over time.

Attendance	Equivalent Absence Over a Year
100%	0 days missed
95%	9–10 days missed
90%	19 days missed (almost 4 weeks)
Below 90%	Classed as Persistent Absence

The government defines Persistent Absence as attendance below 90%.

 

The New Attendance Framework

Under the updated national attendance expectations:

• Schools must prioritise strong daily attendance.
• Schools must identify attendance concerns early.
• Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their child attends school regularly.
• Local Authorities may issue legal interventions if attendance does not improve.

Further information about national expectations can be found here:

Department for Education – Working Together to Improve School Attendance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-improve-school-attendance

 

Parental Responsibilities

As a parent/carer, you must:

• Ensure your child attends school every day unless genuinely unwell.
• Contact the school on the first day of absence.
• Provide medical evidence where requested.
• Avoid booking holidays during term time.

Absence should only be requested in exceptional circumstances and must be agreed in advance by the Headteacher.

Unauthorised term-time holidays may result in a Penalty Notice issued by Hertfordshire County Council.

More information about Penalty Notices can be found here:

Hertfordshire Attendance and Penalty Notices
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/school-admissions/attendance-and-penalty-notices.aspx

 

What To Do If Your Child Is Absent

If your child is unwell:

1. Contact your school office before the start of the school day.
2. Provide clear details about the illness.
3. Keep the school updated if the absence continues.
4. Provide medical evidence if requested.

Contact Details

Bonneygrove Primary School
Please contact the School Office directly on 01992 307900

Millbrook Primary School
Please contact the School Office directly on 01992 622975

(Up-to-date contact details can be found on each school’s website.)

 

How We Support Good Attendance

At Bonneygrove and Millbrook Primary Federation, we:

• Monitor attendance daily
• Contact families on the first day of unexplained absence
• Work with families to remove barriers to attendance
• Offer support plans where needed
• Work with Hertfordshire’s Attendance Team where appropriate

Our approach is supportive and child-focused. We aim to work in partnership with families at all times.

 

Illness and Medical Guidance

Children should attend school unless they are too unwell to do so.

Guidance on common illnesses and recommended absence periods can be found here:

NHS – Is My Child Too Ill for School?
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

 

Where to Get Further Support

If you are experiencing difficulties that are affecting your child’s attendance (e.g., medical, emotional wellbeing, family circumstances), please contact us as soon as possible. Early communication allows us to provide support.

For additional advice:

Hertfordshire County Council – School Attendance
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/school-admissions/attendance-and-penalty-notices.aspx

 

Our Commitment

Bonneygrove and Millbrook Primary Federation is committed to:

• High expectations
• Early intervention
• Fair and consistent procedures
• Working in partnership with parents
• Ensuring every child has the best opportunity to succeed

If you have any questions about attendance, please contact your child’s school office. We are always happy to help.