Attendance, Absence and Lateness

At Charlton, we are committed to working with families to promote attendance and punctuality.

Regular attendance is vital and is monitored and reported on according to statutory regulations.

The Department for Education has set a target of at least 96% attendance for each child and we expect every child to achieve at least that from nursery onwards.

Attendance and attainment are directly related and therefore, it is essential that children should attend school every day.

If children are unwell and cannot attend school, parents/carers are required to contact the school office.

All unexplained absences are counted as “unauthorised” and we are obliged to report these to the Local Authority and the DFE.

If your child has a medical, dental or hospital appointment which cannot be avoided during term time, then please let the school office know. The school office will advise you on whether your child should come to school before and/or after the appointment, and may ask for you to provide confirmation of your child's appointment.

If your child is unwell in the morning but during the school day becomes better, please bring them to school.

Holidays during term time will not be authorised under any circumstances. However, it is recognised that, in exceptional circumstances, leave of absence may have to be taken in term times. Permission in these circumstances needs to be discussed prior to taking leave with the Head of School.

If you wish to request any leave, you will need to put this in writing and send to the school office.

Punctuality

It is very important for children to be punctual/on time for school.

Lateness disrupts the start of the day for your child and the other children in the class. If you arrive late to school with your child, you must report to the school office where your child will be marked in.  Children must be collected promptly at the end of the school day.