Absence & Illness

What should I do if my child is too poorly to attend school?

• Parents are expected to contact the school on the first day of absence by 9.30am
• Call the school number 020 8508 7168 to speak to office staff or leave a message on the answerphone
• Continue to contact the school on each day of absence in order to keep us up to date
• A written note clarifying absence may be required upon return to school
• Evidence of medical appointments or prescribed medication will be requested upon return to school
• Medical appointments, should if possible, be booked outside school hours

Lateness

Pupils should arrive in time for morning registration at 8.35am. Children arriving after this time will need to register at the school office.

The Alderton Infant School closely monitors lateness. There are three negative results caused by lateness: loss of learning, disruption to other pupils and an increase in unauthorised absence. The school will liaise with parents and will refer persistent cases to the Local Authority Attendance Officer. Our LA Officer will also periodically visit school to check attendance and lateness

Family Holidays

Headteachers are not authorised to permit holidays during term time. Any application will be unauthorised.

In total there are 175 non-school days a year. This gives families the opportunity to:

• Spend time together
• Go on family visits
• Go on holiday
• Go shopping
• Go on days out
• Attend routine appointments

You can demonstrate your commitment to your child’s education by NOT taking holidays during term time.

Government legislation states that Headteachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Term time holidays may result in a fine being issued per child to parents by the Local Authority. Please remember that you do not have a legal right to take your child out of school during term time. Please see our Attendance Policy for more information.