Walter EvansAttendance & Absence
Punctuality
The school gates open at 08:45 and pupils should arrive in time for the start of the school day, ready for registration by 08:55. The school start time is 09:00 and register closes at 09:05.
The school day ends at 15:30. Years 1 and 2 finish the school day at 15:25 and Reception can be collected from 15:15 to aid smooth dismissal from school.
Term-time leave
Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term-time unless there are exceptional circumstances. There is no automatic right to any leave in term-time, and any leave of absence is granted at the Headteacher’s discretion.
The school considers each application individually, considering the specific facts, circumstances, and relevant context behind the request. Any request should be submitted to the school office as soon as it is anticipated and, where possible, at least two weeks (10 school days) before the absence.
Leave of Absence request forms are accessible via the main school foyer (entrance area) or by speaking to a member of our School Office team. The Headteacher (via the School Attendance Officer) may require evidence to support any request.
Unplanned absences
If your child is unable to attend school, please telephone the school office on 01332 557139 as soon as possible, and preferably before the start of the school day.
Please leave a message clearly stating:
Your child’s name
Your child's Class Teacher (or Year Group)
Reason for absence
Parents/carers are expected to notify the school on every day of their child's absence, unless a member of school staff has agreed otherwise.
If we do not receive notification of your child's absence, we will contact you to establish why they are not in school. If we are unable to make contact, we may undertake a home visit as part of our safeguarding responsibilities to ensure your child is safe and accounted for.
Child illness & returning to school
When children are unwell, it can sometimes be difficult to know whether they should attend school. The NHS provides clear guidance on common childhood illnesses, including when children should remain at home and when they are well enough to return to school.
Please refer to the NHS guidance link: Is my child too ill for school? - NHS
Child illness during the school day
If your child becomes unwell or is injured whilst at school, we will contact a parent/carer as soon as possible. A trained member of staff will care for your child until they are collected.
It is important that we always hold up-to-date emergency contact details. Please let us know immediately if your mobile, home or work telephone numbers change.
We also ask that you keep us informed of anyone who is authorised to collect your child on your behalf.
Medical appointments
Wherever possible, medical, dental and other routine appointments should be arranged outside of the school day. It's recognised that, on occasion, appointments during school hours are unavoidable.
School will require evidence of all appointments. This may include an appointment letter, confirmation text/email or screenshot. Where appointment evidence is not provided, the absence may need to be recorded as unauthorised.
We kindly ask parents/carers carers to avoid early collections from the end of the school day wherever possible and if unavoidable, to collect pupils only as close to an appointment time as necessary. This helps to minimise disruption to teaching and learning in the classroom.
