Attendance
School Day Timings, Attendance and Punctuality
At our school, good attendance and punctuality are extremely important. When children miss the start of the day or are absent, they miss learning that is hard to catch up on.
This page explains exactly what parents need to know.
Start of the School Day
- School gates open at 8.45am.
- Children should arrive between 8.45am and 8.55am.
- Lessons start at 9.00am.
Arriving on time means your child can settle in, complete early morning work and be ready to learn.
If your child arrives late every day, even by a small amount, the lost learning quickly adds up.
If you are finding mornings difficult, please speak to us — we are here to help.
Late Arrivals (Important)
To make things clear:
- After 8.55am → Your child is marked as late.
- After 9.15am → Your child receives an unauthorised absence for the morning, unless you give a valid reason.
If your child arrives after 9.00am, they must come through the school office so we can update the register and lunch numbers safely.
Please remember:
- Class teachers are not available to speak to parents after 8.55am at classroom doors.
- Messages should be given to office staff.
- If a child arrives after 10.00am without prior notice, we cannot guarantee a school dinner.
End of the School Day
- School finishes at 3.15pm.
- Children are collected from their usual classroom doors.
- We will only send children home with parents or adults named on your contact list unless you tell us otherwise.
- After‑school club finishes at 4.15pm.
Absence from School
Letting School Know
If your child is absent, please contact us on the day and tell us the reason.
We have to record every absence.
Authorised Absences (Allowed)
The school can authorise an absence for the following reasons:
- Your child is too ill to attend
- Medical or dental appointments that cannot be taken outside school hours
- Religious observance days
- Exceptional family circumstances, such as:
- death of a close family member
- a family emergency
- Traveller family commitments, where applicable
- Approved events, such as recognised sporting/performance opportunities (requested in advance)
We may ask for evidence (e.g., appointment card, letter, etc.).
Unauthorised Absences (Not Allowed)
The school cannot authorise absence for:
- Arriving after 9.15am with no good reason
- Birthdays, shopping trips, tiredness or family days out
- Term‑time holidays, except in very exceptional circumstances
Holidays in Term Time
Term‑time holidays should be avoided.
If you believe you have an exceptional reason, you must complete a Leave of Absence Request Form at least two weeks before the planned leave.
Only the headteacher can decide whether the absence can be authorised.
