Late/Absence Procedures

*** Full guidance on lateness/absence can be found here, in our attendance policy ***

What happens if my child is late?

The school day begins at 8.55am and all pupils are expected to be in school on time to ensure that they and their classmates have a settled start to the day. Children can enter the school between 8:45am and 8:55am. Pupils arriving after this time must present themselves at reception so that their lateness can be recorded. Morning registration is at 8.55am and it closes at 9.05am.

• All lateness is recorded daily. This information will be required by the courts, should a prosecution for nonattendance or lateness be necessary
• Arrival after the close of registration will be marked as unauthorised absence code ‘U’ in line with county and Department for Education (DfE) guidance. This mark shows them to be on site, but is legally recorded as an absence.

What should I do if my child is absent due to illness?

Please contact the school office by telephone (01962 854934) or email (adminoffice@st-faiths.hants.sch.uk) as soon as possible on the first day of absence. We will chase absences from 9:30am, if we haven't heard from you by then. If your child is absent due to illness for consecutive days, please assume that you need to let us know each day, unless there has been a prior agreement not to e.g. your child is staying away until 48hours after last being sick.

What should I do if my child is absent due to a planned event?

There are very few circumstances, outside of illness/medical needs, when a child's absence can be authorised. If you are planning for your child to be absent for any other reason, please complete and submit a request for absence form (see below).

Why is attendance important?

For our children to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered it is vital your child is at school, on time, every day the school is open unless the reason for the absence is unavoidable. The routines children develop around attendance and punctuality at school are the same as the expectations of any future employer in the world of work. High attainment, confidence with peers and staff and future aspirations depend on good attendance.

Good attendance is important because:

• Statistics show a direct link between under-achievement and absence below 95%
• Regular attenders make better progress, both socially and academically
• Regular attenders find school routines, school work and friendships easier to cope with
• Regular attenders find learning more satisfying
• Regular attenders are more successful in transferring between primary school, secondary school, and higher education, employment or training