Whole school timetable - starting and finishing times for each phase

Late and Absence Procedures

If your child is absent you must contact us, as soon as possible on the first day of absence, via phone (01522 880094 and select option 2), email or text.

If your child is absent and we have not heard from you, we will telephone or text you on the first day of absence.

Is My Child Too Ill For School?

Authorised Absence

Authorised absence is where the school has either given approval in advance for the child to be absent or where an explanation offered has been accepted as satisfactory. Absence may generally be authorised if a child: 

• is too ill to go to school; for example, has a temperature, has vomited, has diarrhoea or a contagious illness or rash. For vomiting and diarrhoea, we ask that your child is not in school for 24 hours.
• has been seen and advised by a medical professional to remain at home;
• has an unavoidable medical or dental appointment;
• is taking part in a religious event;
• has an exceptional family circumstance, for example the funeral of a very near relative.

Unauthorised Absence

Unauthorised absence is where no explanation has been given for the child’s absence or where the explanation offered is considered by the school to be unacceptable. Absence will NOT be authorised for:

• birthdays;
• visiting relatives;
• shopping;
• a hair appointment;
• looking after other members of the family;
• family holidays (unless granted under ‘exceptional’ circumstances).

Lateness

Poor punctuality is not acceptable. If your child misses the start of the day, they will miss valuable learning time and news for the day. Late arriving pupils also disrupt lessons, this can be embarrassing for the child and can also encourage absence. 

We operate an Early Bird system, where pupils can access their classroom ten minutes before the official starting time. This allows time for children to settling down time, and to practise reading, spellings and mental maths skills.

 Your child will receive a late mark if they arrive in school after their designated starting time. 

In accordance with the regulations, if your child arrives twenty minutes after their starting time, they will receive a mark that shows them to be on site, but this will not count as a present mark and it will mean they have an unauthorised absence for half a day. This may mean that you could face the possibility of legal action if the problem persists.