Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance and Punctuality

At Saint Joseph’s we expect all children to attend school every day unless they are ill.

Saint Joseph’s places a high priority on achieving standards and feel that excellent pupil attendance and punctuality are essential.

In order for children to achieve their potential, pupils must be highly motivated to learn and keen and eager to attend school. Regular, punctual attendance will establish good habits that will support them throughout their lives.

Arrival Arrangements

It is important that your child arrives at school on time.  The school day starts at 8.45am; however, the school gates open on the playground at 8.30am for children in Years 1-6, Tuesday – Friday for the Daily Mile. Any children arriving after the school doors have closed should report to the School Office where they must be signed in by an adult.

EYFS children are dropped off at 8:45am on Monday and from 8:30am Tuesday – Friday at the EYFS gate with a member of staff. Any EYFS children arriving after 8:45am should report to the School Office where they must be signed in by an adult, a member of staff will then take them to their classroom.

Registers start at 8.45am and close at 9am. If a pupil arrives after 9am they will be marked as ‘late arrival’ (L). If a pupil arrives after 9:30am they will be marked as ‘unauthorised absence’ (U).

Collection Arrangements

Children should be collected at 3.15pm from the front entrance of school. Children must inform their teacher when their agreed adult has arrived.

Late Collection Procedure

When a child has not been collected by 3:15pm the child is taken to the school office. Mrs Griffiths will make contact with the parents by telephone. When a child has not been collected by 3:30pm, the child is enrolled within After School Club. The parent is liable to pay the cost for this service. Lateness of collection is monitored by the school.

Non Parents Collecting Your Child

Parents must have provided clear verbal or written permission to the class teacher or the School Office for children to be released to an adult who is not the parents or carers of the child. This permission must be given with a description of the person collecting (if not already known to the school). Where possible, this person will be introduced to staff members in advance of the first collection. Children will only be released from school to young people over the age of 16 years, including older siblings, when the staff member is satisfied that it is safe and reasonable to do so.

Children Travelling Home Independently

Only children in Year 6 are allowed to leave school independently to walk home provided parental consent has been given in writing. The school keeps a register of children who have permission to travel to and from school independently which is shared with the child’s class teacher. Children must notify the class teacher when leaving school. If a child should not arrive home at the expected time the parent/carer is expected to notify the school immediately.

Parental Responsibility

The school acknowledges that those with Parental Responsibility have a legal right to collect their children from school which will be respected by the school. In the event of any dispute, it is the responsibility of the parents to notify the school of the arrangements that have been made. The school will of course comply with any court orders that may be in place.

Absence from school

Absence from school can only usually be justified when your child is ill. Family holidays, outings and, where possible, medical and dental appointments must be arranged out of school time. Family holidays will be marked with an unauthorised absence.

Informing school of child absence

If, for any reason, your child is late or absent, a message or email must be sent to the school office explaining the reason for the absence/lateness. If you know your child will be absent, a telephone call before 8:45am will prevent a phone call home being made.

Home Time

Children should be collected at 3.15pm from the front entrance of school. If your normal collection arrangements fail, please telephone to let us know before the end of the school day.

Attendance and Punctuality Tips!

• Get book bags and clothes ready the night before to speed up the morning routine
• Make sure your child is in bed at a reasonable time
• Let your child’s teacher know if you or they are having problems getting up for school
• Make routine appointments e.g. dentist, during the holidays or after school

Positive Attendance

We offer rewards each term to all pupils who have achieved, or exceeded, our attendance target.

Who is there to support?

We recognise the need to tackle any issues surrounding attendance and punctuality. We have regular attendance meetings, and we aim to support families with low attendance and lateness. Low attendance impacts significantly on children’s wellbeing and progress.

If you need further information please refer to our Attendance Policy or contact Mrs Stacey Carr, Headteacher, at school.