Attendance and Punctuality
Attendance Expectations
At South Chingford Foundation School, we expect all students to attend school every day and be on time. Consistent attendance is essential for students to achieve their full potential. If your child is unwell or unable to attend school for any reason, please follow the guidelines below.
Reporting an absence
If your child is absent from school:
- Phone the school on the first day of absence, and on every subsequent day, to inform us why they cannot attend.
- Where possible, provide medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note, prescription, or appointment card, to support the absence.
We encourage all parents/carers to arrange medical or dental appointments outside of school hours. When this is unavoidable:
- Ensure that your child is out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary.
- Complete the Absence request forms which are available for download below or can be collected from reception by the parent/carer or child.
- Provide the school with any appointment card or other evidence prior to the appointment.
Failure to provide such information may result in the absence being marked as unauthorised.
Requesting leave during term time
You will need to seek permission from the Head of School if you want to take your child(ren) out of school during term time. The school will only grant such leave in exceptional circumstances and or where attendance is already at 95% and above. Requests for exceptional leave of absence must be made in writing and in advance.
Leave taken without permission of the Head of School will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and you may be liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). This is a fine that can be issued by the Local Authority to each parent/carer for each child. Amendments to these regulations will reduce the timescales for paying a Penalty Notice. Parents must pay £80 within 21 days or £160 within 28 days of the FPN being issued.
Exceptional Leave of Absence may be granted for reasons such as a family member being unwell/funeral/death of a family member/medical appointment abroad. Please do not make any arrangements or book any travel until you have received the signed authorisation from the school.
If you wish to apply for Exceptional Leave of Absence, please complete the attached form below. The completed form should be submitted to the school either in person at Reception, or via email at office@southchingfordfs.org.uk
We must also ask that, if you can, evidence is provided for the leave so please make sure that this is attached to the form.
Punctuality
Poor punctuality is not acceptable at South Chingford foundation School. Students who miss the start of the day also miss their registration with their tutor and may miss vital announcements or opportunities for support.
Our school day starts at 8.45 am, and we expect students to be in school before this time. Arriving on time:
- Sets a good example and creates a positive impression.
- Contributes to personal, social, and academic development.
- Is important for achieving success in exams and assessments.
Persistent lateness will not be tolerated and will be monitored closely.
Consequences of lateness
Students who are late who will receive a ‘late’ detention after school for 15 minutes. Parents are notified via Arbor. Punctuality is monitored regularly, and persistent lateness may lead to further consequences.
Arrival of a student after the register has been taken but before the register closes will be recorded as late (L) for that session.
Arrival more than 20 minutes after the register has closed requires a reason to be provided by the parent. U code may be entered on the register. 13 or more U codes in one academic year may result in the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice fine.
