ABSENT or LATE INFORMATION

Punctuality and regular attendance at school are vital life skills all children need to develop.

LATE

• Parents should ensure that children arrive on time.
• Please assist your child in developing this good habit and ensure that they arrive at school by 9am. 
• Children who arrive after 9.10am are deemed late, therefore they will be recorded as late on the register.  After 9.10am, pupils need to be brought to the main office and parents need to sign the late book. 
• Children who arrive after 9.30am will be recorded as late after the register closed (which is an unauthorised absence). 

ABSENCE

• Please inform the school by telephone on the first day of sickness absence and keep the school updated should the absence continue after the first day. 
• Absences fall into two categories: 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 (e.g. medical appointment) or is satisfied with the reason for absence given by parents (e.g. 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 (e.g. school has reason to question the explanation given).
• If we are concerned about a child's attendance, parents/ carers will receive letters from the school and will be invited in to meet with the Head or Deputy Headteacher to discuss how we can support you to improve your child's attendance. 
• A fixed penalty notice may be issued to a parent of a child who takes the equivalent of five days unauthorised absence from school within a term. This can include taking a family holiday in term time.
• Parents need to apply in writing using a 'holiday form.' We will not authorise any holidays where attendance is below 95%. 
• Where there are frequent unauthorised absences, the school will make a referral to the Attendance and Wellbeing Service.