Absence

Good attendance and punctuality at school is essential and any days away from school interrupt teaching and learning and hinders the progress that children make.  Repeatedly arriving late at school is also very disruptive and we would like to remind parents that our gates open at 8:35am and we want our children to arrive at this time, as many of our catch-up interventions run first thing in the morning.  Registration is 8:50am every day.  We realise that from time to time, children are unwell so please ensure you inform the School Office before 9am if your child will be away from school for illness and please continue to update us daily if your child remains unable to attend school. 

Holiday taken during term time will not be authorised, which reflects DfE statutory guidance published August 2024.  We would like to also draw your attention to recent changes in the issuing of Penalty Notices, for non-attendance at school, as set out in our policy below (which has been developed in partnership with Shottermill Infant School).

In all instances, parents or guardians must request in advance permission from the Headteacher to take their child out of school during term time (please use the form provided below).   It is especially important that at key points during the academic year children attend school, for example during National Curriculum Tests in Year 6 or during the end of the summer term/beginning of the autumn term, when all important transition takes place.  

Our Home School Link Worker - Katherine Bourne is also able to offer support with attendance issues, as is Mrs Barnes, the Senior Attendance Champion.  If you would like to make an appointment to discuss your child's attendance, please do so via the School Office.  If after providing support and early help, we notice that attendance remains a concern, we may refer families to the Surrey Attendance Service. 

Our Attendance Policy is available below to download, as well as our Absence Request Form.