Attendance
Parents have a legal responsibility to make sure that their child is in school every day and arrives on time. Children who arrive late miss the sense of belonging that comes with being part of the routines at the start of the day. They are also at risk of missing key parts of a lesson; imagine starting to watch a film 10 minutes after it began. How long might it take you to make sense of what is going on?
If your child is absent, please inform the school on the first day of absence before 9.30am. You will be asked to give a reason for their absence. We consider absences to be authorised if your child is sick, where possible please arrange medical and other appointments outside of school hours. The school keeps a record of absences and these are included in your child’s report. Unauthorised absence and persistent absence is reported to Southwark’s Attendance and Welfare Officer.
Although it may be tempting to keep your child off, for example if they are tired or grouchy, please think very carefully. Missing a day could mean your child misses out on key information; teachers frequently teach lessons as part of sequences, so Tuesday's lesson builds on Monday's and Wednesday's builds on Tuesday's, and so on. While every teacher will endeavour to fill in the gaps if a child is absent, we do ask that you make it easy as possible for your child to access their learning in school.
Parents are requested not to organise holidays during term time, it disrupts your child’s learning and the school is unable to authorise the absence. We understand the temptation of taking children out during term time to avoid pricey holiday times, but children attend school for only 190 days a year and the rest of the year is available for holidays.
In very exceptional circumstances the Headteacher may authorise a limited absence. Parents should request this in writing explaining why the holiday can only take place in term time.