The school gates are opened at 8:45 a.m. and the children walk straight round to their classrooms, they should be in class by 8:55 a.m.
Leave of Absence during Term Time
There is no entitlement in law for pupils to take time off during the term to go on holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure or recreation, or to take part in protest activity in school hours. In addition, the Supreme Court has ruled that the definition of regular school attendance is “in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school.”
Where a parent removes a child after their application for leave was refused or where no application was made to the school, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. It is likely that penalty notices will be requested, in line with the National Framework and Essex Code of Conduct, in respect of each parent believed to have allowed the absence.
Sanctions may include issuing each parent (for each child) with a Penalty Notice for £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days (for the first offence). A second Penalty Notice issued within a three year period will result in a fine of £160 per parent, per child. If a third offence is committed the matter may be referred to the local authority for consideration of prosecution via the Magistrates Court. If prosecution is instigated for irregular school attendance, each parent may receive a fine of up to £2500 and/or up to 3 months in prison. If a parent is found guilty in court, they will receive a criminal conviction.
Absences
When a child is absent, parents should contact the school by telephone by 9.00 a.m. on the first day of absence. A letter or email must be sent in with your child detailing the reason for absence when the child returns to school. This is necessary for the school to complete its legal requirement on attendance.
Lateness
The school gate is open to pupils from 8.45 a.m. and closes at 8.55 a.m. prompt (see updated times above). Please ensure that your child arrives at school before the gates are closed. Should your child arrive late, then they must be brought in through the school office, where you will be required to sign them into the late book, giving a valid reason for lateness. Your child will receive a late mark on the register.
Occasional late arrival at school can be unavoidable; however when lateness is more frequent the child may become anxious and embarrassed and will miss valuable teaching time. A pupil’s lateness also causes disruption to the entire class. Continuous lateness may be followed up by the Local Authority.
Appointments
Should your child need to attend an appointment within school time, please advise the school office. We will also require a copy of your appointment letter/card or see a confirmation text. We also request, that you write a note in your child’s Blue Book on the day to advise the teacher that your child has an appointment and what time you will need to collect them. Where possible we ask that non urgent doctor, dentist and optician appointments are made after school.