Attendance & Punctuality

All pupils are expected to attend school regularly and punctually.

Punctuality 
Pupils are expected to be punctual for the start of the school day at 8.35

Pupils arriving late for school will be required to sign the late book under the direction of a member of staff or a monitor.

A late detention will be given for lateness and pupils must follow the late detention procedures. 

Notes or reasons for lateness can be explained at the late detention where appropriate action will be taken.  It is the school’s decision as to whether or not a detention is warranted.  Where school finishes early on Friday, a 1 hour detention may be given on this day without 24 hours notice. Saturday detentions may also take place when necessary.

Appointments
Appointments for doctor, hospital and dentist, etc. should be made during the school holidays or weekends.

However, should an appointment only be available during school time, pupils will be allowed to leave the school premises on showing proof of an appointment to the relevant Head of Learning.  No pupil will be allowed to leave the school premises without such an appointment card.

Absences
If pupils are not in school there must have a justifiable reason and parents should telephone the Attendance Officer before 08.35 am on each day of absence on 020 8985 5150 x237.

All absences must be explained by a letter from the parent or carer. If the absence is for 1 or 2 days the note should be brought in by the pupil on their return. For longer absences the note should be posted to the school.  Telephone calls explaining absences should always be followed by a letter.

Term Time Holidays
Under regulation 8 of The Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 1995, there is a discretionary power for leave to be granted for the purpose of an annual family holiday during term time.

The Headteacher will consider carefully any applications for term time holidays made at least four weeks in advance. Only in exceptional circumstances will leave of absence be granted and as a general rule permission will not be given for holidays in term time.

Please do not make travel arrangements before discussing the matter with the school.

Attendance Officer
The school has an appointed Attendance Officer who monitors attendance and punctuality and raises any concerns with Heads of Learning and The Learning Trust’s Education Welfare Office.  The Attendance Officer can recommend legal action should it be deemed necessary. 

The school has an automated service which calls parents whose child is absent on a daily basis, unless the parent has called in to report that absence.