If your child is absent for any reason, please contact the school on the first day of absence and notify us of the reason for their absence. If you telephone before school, there is a voicemail system that can record your message. Alternatively you can email the school explaining the absence.
We expect all children to arrive at school punctually as teaching and learning begin promptly and your child may miss a vital part of the lesson.
The school bell rings at 8.50am and children should be in the playground a few minutes before that time. Please note that children arriving after the bell rings will be given a 'late mark' in the register. After 9.20am, in accordance with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture's policy, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Children arriving after the bell has gone should report their arrival to the Administrator in the school office. Late arrivals for medical appointments are perfectly understandable, but we ask that you let the school know in advance when possible.
Please be aware that as the registration system is computerised, the school and the Department of Education, Sport and Culture monitor attendance.
Schools are required to inform the Department of Education, Sport and Culture of any children who are persistently late or whose attendance level drops below 90% so that absence levels can be investigated by Education Welfare Officers (formerly truancy officers). If the school is not informed that a child is absent, the absence is recorded as unauthorised.
If your child needs to be excused from a PE lesson or swimming lesson, written notification is required before the lesson is to take place.