Attendance and Punctuality
Attendance
School attendance is central to raising standards in education and ensuring all pupils can fulfil their potential. The government has set a target of 95% attendance for all pupils. This rate allows for periods of illness or particular circumstances when absence from schools is unavoidable. We want your child to attend school regularly as this supports their learning.
Authorised and Unauthorised Absence
The school can only authorise absences in the following circumstances:
Illness
Dental/medical appointments (these should be made out of school hours where possible)
Close family bereavement
Recognised religious observance (one day only)
Examination
Please try to arrange all medical appointments during holiday times or out of school hours.
If you cannot make doctor or dentist appointments out of school hours, wherever possible the child should come to school before the appointment and return to school afterwards. Please also notify the school office in advance and provide an appointment letter or written confirmation.
Family holidays during the school term will not be authorised.
If you wish your child to be absent from school for any exceptional circumstances, please complete a Leave of Absence Request form which will be reviewed by the Headteacher.
Please give at least 2 weeks notice.
Unplanned Absences
If your child is absent for any reason, please contact the school office immediately on 0208 390 9544 or via email.
If your child is unwell, please provide details of the illness and your child's full name and class. Parents will need to keep the school informed daily if the absence is to continue.
An explanation of your child's absence may be required on return to school.
Why is attending school regularly important?
To give your child the best possible start in life.
They will achieve better results.
They will be able to keep up with their work.
They will develop friendships and social skills.
They will gain confidence and independence
Key attendance facts
Attending 90% of the time or less will have a serious effect on learning.
One day’s absence every two weeks will give 90% attendance.
Up to the age of 16, 90% attendance will mean losing over a year of school – more than half
Punctuality
Arrival at School
The school gates open at 8.35am for all classes and close at 8.45am.
Children should go straight to their classroom for the morning register and to start their learning for the day.
Lateness
The school gates will close promptly at the relevant times. If you arrive after 8.45am please enter the school via the office and sign your child in as "late" on the computer terminal. The morning registration for late pupils closes at 9.30am; a late arrival after this time will be recorded as unauthorised and will impact your child's attendance for that day by 50%.
We strongly encourage prompt arrival to school at all times; this morning routine sets good life expectations and enables your child to not miss out on any learning.
Attendance Information.pdf