Every day matters

At Chingford CofE Primary School, we believe that strong attendance and good punctuality are essential for children’s learning, wellbeing and sense of belonging. We want every child to attend school every day and arrive on time, unless absence is genuinely unavoidable.

Good attendance supports achievement, builds positive routines and helps children feel part of our school community.

Our expectations

Parents and carers have a legal duty to ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time.

• Pupils are expected to attend every day the school is open
• Absence should only occur where it is unavoidable
• Only the school can decide whether an absence is authorised
• The Headteacher decides whether a leave of absence can be granted

Reporting an absence

If your child is absent, you must contact the school on the first day of absence before 8:40am.

You can do this by:

• Calling the school office on 020 8529 7601 (Option 1)
• Emailing the school office on school@ccofe.waltham.sch.uk

Please clearly explain the reason for absence. If your child remains absent, you should continue to keep the school informed.

In some cases, particularly where there are repeated absences or attendance falls below expected levels, the school may request medical evidence.

Punctuality and the school day

Infant Site

• Gates open: 8:50am
• School starts: 8:50am
• Registration: 8:50am – 9:00am

Junior Site

• Gates open: 8:40am (flexible start)
• School starts: 8:50am
• Registration: 8:50am – 9:00am

Children should be in class and ready to learn by the start of registration.

For all pupils:

• Children arriving after 9:00am must enter via the school office and be signed in by a parent/carer
• Class registers close at 9:00am. After this time, children will receive a late mark
• The register fully closes at 9:15am. Arrival after this time is recorded as an unauthorised absence

Good punctuality is essential. Being late can disrupt learning and make it harder for children to settle into the day.

Type of absence

Authorised absence

Absence may be authorised where there is a genuine reason, such as:

• Illness
• Unavoidable medical or dental appointments
• Emergencies or other unavoidable circumstances

Unauthorised absence

Absence is likely to be unauthorised where there is not a valid reason. This includes:

• Keeping a child off school unnecessarily
• Shopping trips or day trips
• Birthdays or special occasions
• Looking after other children
• Holidays during term time without permission
• Arriving after registers have fully closed

Unauthorised absence may result in further action.

Medical Appointments

Where possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside the school day. If this is unavoidable, please inform the school in advance and provide evidence of the appointment.

Leave of absence during term time

There is no entitlement to take holidays or other leave during term time.

Leave of absence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. These are defined as events that are rare, significant, unavoidable and short.

All requests must:

• Be made in writing, in advance
• Use the school’s Leave of Absence Request Form

Requests should be made as far in advance as possible to allow the school to fully consider the circumstances.

The decision to authorise leave rests with the Headteacher. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee that leave will be approved.

If a child is taken out of school without authorisation, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. This is likely to result in a penalty notice being issued in line with national guidance.

External activities (e.g. modelling, filming or performances)

In some cases, absence may be authorised where a child is taking part in a regulated performance or employment. This is dependent on the correct legal permissions being in place and the school being satisfied that the request meets statutory guidance.

All requests must be made in advance through the school’s formal process.

Can my child miss school for modelling or agency work?

In some circumstances, this may be authorised. However, there is no automatic right to be absent for these activities.

What do I need to do?

You must complete a Leave of Absence Request Form and provide supporting evidence. This should include details of the activity and any relevant licence or approval.

Will the school automatically approve this?

No. Each request is considered individually. A licence is an important factor, but it does not guarantee that absence will be authorised.

Can I request approval for multiple dates?

No. A separate request must be submitted for each absence. The school does not provide blanket or ongoing approval.

Attendance support

We recognise that some children and families may face barriers to attendance. We are committed to working in partnership with you to provide support where needed.

Support may include:

• Meetings with school staff
• Reasonable adjustments
• Early Help support
• Individual attendance plans
• Signposting to external services

If you are experiencing difficulties with attendance, please contact us as soon as possible.

Attendance contacts:

• Attendance Lead: Mr Daniel Hewitt
• Attendance Support: Mrs Maureen Francis
• Email: school@ccofe.waltham.sch.uk

Penalty notices

Schools must consider requesting a penalty notice where there are 10 sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10 school week period.

This may include:

• Unauthorised term time leave
• Repeated unauthorised absence
• Unauthorised lateness after registers close

Penalty notices are issued per parent, per child and may increase for repeat offences.

Further information

Frequently asked questions

What time should I report an absence?

By 8:40am on the first day of absence.

Do I need to contact school every day?

You should contact the school on the first day of absence and keep us updated if the absence continues.

If we do not hear from you, we will contact you using the details we hold. This may include calling primary and emergency contacts. If we are unable to make contact, we may take further steps to ensure your child’s safety, which could include a home visit or, in cases of serious concern, contacting external agencies.

Can I take my child on holiday during term time?

No. Leave is only granted in exceptional circumstances and must be approved in advance.

How far in advance should I request leave?

Requests must be made in advance using the school’s form. We ask that requests are submitted as early as possible. However, all decisions are based on whether the circumstances are exceptional, not how far in advance the request is made.

What happens if my child is late?

After 9:00am your child will receive a late mark. After 9:15am, this becomes an unauthorised absence.

What if my child is anxious about coming to school?

Please contact us. We will work with you to understand the situation and provide support.