Late Procedure

We expect all pupils to arrive in school on time every day that the school is open.

• Morning register opens at 8.55am and closes at 9.25am.
• Afternoon registration takes place at 1.15pm and the register closes at 1.25pm.

The school day begins promptly and we advise parent/carers to ensure their child is on the school site by 8.55am.

• Any pupil arriving after this time is required to report to the reception with their parent/carer, who will be expected to enter the reason for their child’s late arrival on inventory.
• Any pupil arriving after the register has been taken will receive a late mark (L code - late before the close of register). Any pupil arriving on or after the register has closed will be marked as absent for the entire morning session (U code - late after the close of register). This is classed as an “unauthorised absence”.
• Parent/carers will be contacted regarding patterns of late arrival. Repeated late arrival after the close of registration may result in a referral being made to the London Borough of Lambeth for consideration of prosecution or for a Penalty Notice to be issued.

A Penalty Notice is a fine of £60 per parent/carer/carer per child if paid within the first 21 days of issue, which rises to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days. The London Borough of Lambeth will consider taking legal action if a Penalty Notice remains unpaid after 28 days of the date of issue. Legal action may result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record for each parent/carer.

Absence Procedure

Parents/carers have a legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly however, if a child is unavoidably absent from school then parent/carers are expected to:

• Telephone the school office on 0208 761 1894 before 9am on the first day of absence, and on each subsequent day, to report the reason for the absence 
• On the fourth consecutive day of absence, or when specifically requested, you may be requested to provide medical evidence, or other supporting documentation, that supports the level of absence. Examples of medical evidence include a dated medical appointment card, a photocopy of a signed and dated prescription, labelled medication packaging, a note or computer printout from a GP/Hospital confirming your child has been seen, together with the reason
• Upon the child’s return to school, provide a written note confirming the reason for the absence
• Provide an appointment letter or card to support any hospital or clinic appointment that takes place during school hours
• If a pupil is absent and there has been no contact from the parent/carer, the school’s Attendance Protocol will be instigated

The school expects parents/carers will: 

• Ensure their child attends school regularly and on time
• Promote the value of a good education and excellent school attendance within the home environment and to be aware of their legal responsibilities
• Ensure any child in their care arrives at school appropriately prepared for the day (including extra-curricular activities) and having completed any homework they have been given
• Contact the school on their child’s first day of absence, and on each subsequent day, to notify the reason for the absence and the expected date of their child’s return to school
• Provide medical evidence, or other documentary evidence, to support their child’s absence, when this has been requested
• Avoid unnecessary absences; for example, by making all non-urgent medical and dental appointments outside of school hours
• Notify the school of any change in circumstances that may impact on their child’s attendance or welfare
• Ask the school for help if their child is experiencing difficulties with any aspect of school or home life 
• Attend all meetings requested to discuss their child’s attendance and welfare
• Inform the school of any change of address and/or telephone number
• Abide by the school’s Attendance and Punctuality Policy