Absence and Lateness Procedures

Reporting an Absence

If your child is unwell or unable to attend school, parents/carers must inform the school office by 09:15 on the first day of absence.

When reporting an absence, please be specific. Simply telling us your child is "ill" or "unwell" does not provide enough information for our safeguarding records. Please state the specific symptoms (e.g., fever, sickness, chickenpox).

• Phone: 01474 555155

• Email: office@springhead.kent.sch.uk

Failure to notify the school with a specific reason by 09:15 will result in the absence being recorded as unauthorised, and could trigger a further phone call or home visit.

Lateness

Punctuality is incredibly important. Children miss valuable early morning work and key instructions if they are late. If a child arrives after the gates close, they must be signed in at the main office by a member of staff, and the lateness will be tracked on our system.

Authorised vs. Unauthorised Absence

Authorised Absence

An absence is recorded as authorised when a child has been away for a legitimate, verified reason and the school has received notification. For example, if a child is genuinely too unwell to attend and the school has been notified via phone or email.

Note: In cases where a child's overall attendance drops below 96%, official medical evidence (such as a doctor's note or appointment card) may be requested before any further absences can be authorised.

Unauthorised Absence

An absence is recorded as unauthorised when a child is away from school without the permission of the headteacher. The following common examples will not be authorised:

• Another member of the family is ill or has an appointment.

• The family overslept or had a late night.

• Issues with uniform or clothing.

• Forgetting term dates.

• Inclement weather (e.g., snow) if you live within safe walking distance of the school.

• Annual family events, such as a child's or relative's birthday.

• Day outings or trips (e.g., visiting a theme park).

• Taking your child shopping.

• Car breakdowns or transit issues.

How We Monitor Attendance

When a child is absent, the class teacher records it in the morning session register, which automatically links to the school office database. Attendance data is monitored daily and weekly by Mr Brown and Mrs Fleischer.

If we have any doubt about the whereabouts of a child, or if we have not heard from a parent/carer by the close of registration, the school team will immediately contact the emergency numbers listed on your child's Arbor account to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the child.

The Structure of the School Day & Registration

Children are marked present or absent on the official attendance register at the beginning of each morning and afternoon session. All teachers across the school operate the exact same system for absolute consistency. These registers are legal documents and may be used as evidence in formal cases involving the Education Welfare Officer (EWO).

Nursery Session Times

• 08:50 – School gates open

• 08:50 – 09:00 – Children are greeted at their classroom doors

• 09:30 – Registers officially close

• 09:00 – 13:00 – Morning lessons and lunch sessions

• 13:00 – Afternoon registration

• 15:25 – End of the school day

Reception, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2 Times

• 08:35 – School gates open

• 08:35 – 08:50 – School doors open. Children make their way directly to their classrooms for early morning work and to organize themselves for the day ahead.

• 08:50 – 09:00 – Late arrivals must come through the front school office.

• 09:30 – Registers officially close. Anyone arriving after this time will legally be marked as absent for the entire morning session.

• 15:20 – 15:30 – End of the school day / Staggered dismissal

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain high standards of attendance and safety for all the children at Springhead Park.