At Hillcrest we firmly believe that every day counts.  

We expect all pupils to be in school every day and arrive, ready to learn, at 8.50am. 

We aim to make learning enjoyable, so that all the children can experience success and realise their full potential. Being in school regularly and on time is important for their motivation and attainment. This is reflected in our Attendance Policy. 

Children at Hillcrest enjoy school and attendance is good. 

A new way to start the day

We are trialling a 'Soft Start' in Term One, to help the children begin their day in a calm, purposeful way.

Instead of lining up in the playground, children will come straight into class between 8.40 and 8.50am. This will make for a smoother, more settled transition into learning and support emotional wellbeing, especially for children who find busy, noisy environments challenging. 

In the morning, teachers will base themselves in their classroom ready to greet the children. Teaching assistants will be supporting in class or at the entrance door to support children coming in.

The soft start will allow teachers to welcome children individually, build routines that support independence, and help children begin their learning day promptly with a calm mindset. We believe this will help children feel safe and ready to learn.

In class by ten to nine – ready to learn and right on time!

When do the gates and doors open?

The back and front gates will be opened at 8.30am and the doors to the building at 8.40.

Children can arrive early and wait in the playground, or arrive at 8.40 and go straight into class.

Can I leave my child in the playground from 8.30?

Yes - if your child is in Yr 5 or 6.

No - if your child is in Reception to Yr 4. You need to stay with your child until you take them to their usual school building entrance, which you can do between 8.40am and 8.50.

My child struggles to say goodbye, what can I do?

We will have staff at the doors to support transition into school.

What happens if we’re late?

Your child must be signed in at the office with a reason for their lateness.

Can I speak to the class teacher in the morning?

Teachers won't be available for conversations in the morning. They are available to speak to at the end of the day. If you need to share an urgent message, please speak to the staff member at the gate, who will pass it on. Alternatively you can email the school or the class teacher. 

What if my child's pick up arrangements change?

Please let the school office know by texting in the Arbor App or by email. Class teachers will have the club/future stars lists.

How do I report illness or appointments?

Please contact the office.

• Use the free text message option on the Arbor app
• Email school@hillcrest.bristol.sch.uk
• Call 0117 3772440

In on time

Make sure that your child is in class for registration by 8.50am, so they and the rest of their class have a calm, uninterrupted start to their learning day. 

• The school day starts 8.50am, with the class register and the children's lunch choices.

• If your child arrives after 9.00am they will be marked as Late. They must be signed in at the office, stating the reason for lateness.

• If your child arrives after 9.10am, without an exceptional explanation, they will be given an Unauthorised Absence mark for that morning's session.

Top tips for a good start to the day...

• Consider how long it takes to get to school if the weather is bad or if there are road works. Allow plenty of time to get your child into class before 8.50 am.

• If you struggle to get your child to school on time each day could you ask another parent, that you trust and can rely on, to bring your child to school?

• Have a regular routine for the start of each day.

• Make getting everything ready for the morning part of your child's evening routine - laying out their school uniform, finding their shoes, packing their bag with reading book, snack and anything else they need - packed lunch, PE kit etc. Doing it together will help your child learn to take responsibility - it's never too early to start! 

• Set a reasonable bed time to make sure they get enough sleep. Primary school aged children on average need around 10-12 hours sleep.

• Give your child a healthy breakfast, e.g. toast, fruit or cereal.

• Aim to arrive a bit early so your child has a few minutes to play and chat before going into class.

Absence

If your child is not able to come to school, contact the office before 8.30am (call 0117 3772440 and leave a message on the absence line, send a free text on the Arbor app or drop an  email to school@hillcrest.bristol.sch.uk) to tell us why.

• If you do not contact the school by 8.30am with a reason for your child's absence they will be given an Unauthorised Absence mark.

Persistent unauthorised absences can lead to a Penalty Notice - a fine, per parent per child -  being issued. 

Illness

If your child is too unwell to come to school you must let the office know before 8.30am, clearly stating their name, their class and the nature of the illness. 

Unless arranged otherwise, please text, call or email the office on each subsequent day of absence.

Should my child come to school?

Diarrhoea and vomiting - Because tummy bugs spread so easily, the affected child must not return to school until a clear 48 hours after the last time they are sick or have diarrhoea.

Taking your child out of school during the day

If you are taking your child out during the school day for an appointment, or any other reason, please make sure you sign them out on the screen in the lobby (and sign them back in if they return later in the day).  

Ideally, medical appointments should be made outside school hours but if this is not possible please bring in an appointment card or letter.

Leave of absence

You have a legal responsibility to make sure that your child attends school. In accordance with national guidelines, holidays will not be authorised during term time.

A single day's absence will be granted for religious observance - e.g. Eid.

Leave of absence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances * and at the discretion of the Head Teacher. It must be requested in writing using the school's Absence Request Form (available to download HERE or pick up from the leaflet rack in the school lobby).

* Circumstances which are not considered exceptional include:

• family holidays to visit relatives
• cheap holidays during term time
• holidays that fit around work schedules
• birthdays
• visiting relatives
• resting after a late night
• shopping 

What if poor attendance becomes a problem?

For many reasons, some children can find it harder than others to attend school and we will work together with them, their parents and partner organisations to improve attendance by removing barriers and building strong and trusting relationships. 

We take a ‘support first' approach: 

The table below shows how what might seem like just a few days absence can result in children missing a significant number of lessons. 

If you have questions about attendance please contact Kate Higginson, our Family Support Worker.

Click on the link below to download this image and zoom in.