Attendance and Punctuality at Ashby Hill Top Primary School 

At Ashby Hill Top Primary School, we believe that excellent attendance is key to every child’s success. Regular attendance helps children feel part of our school community, supports their learning, and promotes their social, emotional, and physical well-being.
 
Please remember:

• Children should attend school every day unless there is an exceptional reason for absence.
• Holidays during term time cannot be authorised except in the most exceptional circumstances.
• Good punctuality is important – the school day starts at 9:00am.

 
Penalty Notices for Poor Attendance or Term-Time Holidays
I have noticed that there are an increasing number of requests from parents for term time holidays- this is monitored by the local authority who have alerted me to my duty to fine parents. See below.  
 
In line with national and local authority guidance, penalty notices may be issued where:

• A child has 5 or more consecutive days of unauthorised absence (such as a term-time holiday).
• There are 10 unauthorised sessions (5 full days) within a 10-week period.

 
Fines are £160 per parent, per child, payable within 28 days (reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days). Repeat offences can lead to higher fines and, in some cases, court proceedings.
 
If your child is unwell or unable to attend, please contact the school office by 8:45am on the first day of absence. For full details, please see our updated Attendance and Punctuality Policy.

Thank you for working with us to give every child the best possible start!
 
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