As you are aware, it is really important that the children attend school everyday of the academic year and that they are on time. Any absence is not only disruptive to your child's education, but also to the other children in their class.

If they are going to be late or absent for any reason, please let us know as soon as you can. By working in partnership together we can ensure your child's safety and well-being.

Late Arrivals

If your child arrives at school after the gates have been closed (8:45am), please bring them directly to the school office. You will be asked to sign your child in and give a reason for their late arrival.  

If a child is persistently late arriving at school it is highly likely to become a safeguarding concern. 

Late Collection

If you are going to be late in collecting your child, please make every effort to let us know as soon as you can.  This can be quite distressing for children and this will enable us to reassure them that you are safe.  When you arrive, you will be asked to sign your child out and provide a reason as to the late collection. 
If a child is persistently collected late it is highly likely to become a safeguarding concern. 

Planned Absence

If you know that your child will not be attending school in the near future for any reason, you must complete a 'Leave of Absence' form with an accompanying letter to explain, in detail, the reason for the absence.  These are available from the school office.  Absences will only be authorised under exceptional circumstances and absences of 5 days or more will be referred to Missing in Education and Child Employment Services (MECES), who may issue a Penalty Notice, which incurs a fine.

Absence will be authorised for children whose parents are travelling for work and take their children with them as long as proof of work is provided. If evidence of work is not provided the absence will be unauthorised. This may result in a penalty notice. 

Unplanned Absence

If you child is unable to attend school due to illness, please telephone the school office on the first day of the absence by 9am and leave a message on the absence voicemail service.  You are required to provide medical evidence to support the absence.

If your child is absent from school and we have not heard from you, an email will be sent out. If we still have not heard from you by 9:30am then we will begin telephoning all of the contact numbers that we hold for you.  If we are unable to reach anybody to confirm the absence then we will contact Essex Police. This is to ensure the safety of all of our pupils.