Late / Absence Procedures

Attendance and Punctuality

Parents should ensure that children arrive on time. Punctuality is important. Please assist your child in developing this good habit and ensure that they are in the school yard by 8.50am. The school cannot take responsibility for children who arrive at school earlier than 8.45am.

Punctuality and regular attendance at school are vital to your child's progress. Children who arrive after the register at 9.15am are recorded as late. All absences need to be reported to school by 9.30am on the first day of absence and each following day.

The school is required by law to keep a note of absences for every pupil. An authorised absence is recorded when the school has been informed of the pupil’s absence and has either given prior approval for this absence (eg medical appointment) or is satisfied with the reason for absence given by parents (eg genuine sickness absence). An unauthorised absence is recorded when the school has not been informed of a pupil’s absence, or when the reason given for absence is not satisfactory (eg school has reason to question the explanation given).

A fine may be issued to a parent of a child who takes the equivalent of 5 days unauthorised absence from school within a term. A fine may also be issued to a parent of a child taking a family holiday in term time. Where there are frequent unauthorised absences school are required to refer to the Attendance and Wellbeing Service.

Late collection of children

Should any unforeseen and or exceptional circumstances prevent your child being met on time please contact the school to alert us to the situation. In this event your child will be taken to the school office by the main entrance where s/he will be supervised until your arrival. Please note there are formal procedures where this time extends beyond a reasonable time regularly.