Lateness and Absence Procedures

Arriving on time

It is essential that children arrive at school on time. The school day starts at 8:50am.

Arriving on time means your child:

• Doesn't miss important learning at the start of the day
• Isn't embarrassed by arriving late
• Develops good habits and routines for the future

If your child arrives after 8:50am, a parent or carer must accompany them to the school office to sign them in. This is recorded as a late arrival.

If your child arrives after the register has closed (after 9:20am), this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence for that session unless there is a valid reason.

Reporting absence

If your child is sick or absent from school, you must inform the school office with a reason by 8:50am on the first day of absence. You can do this by:

• Phone: 01923 672 583
• Email: admin@kingswayjm.herts.sch.uk

If we don't hear from you, we will contact you to check on your child's welfare and establish the reason for absence.

Please refer to our Attendance Policy for full details about authorised and unauthorised absences, including guidance on illness and medical appointments.

Download our Attendance Policy 

End of day collection

It is equally important that children are collected promptly at 3:20pm at the end of the school day. If you're unable to collect your child on time, or if someone different is collecting them, please contact the school office to let us know the arrangements.

Term-time holidays

Holidays should be taken outside of school term time. The headteacher will only grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. Unauthorised absence may result in a penalty notice being issued by the local authority.

Please refer to our Attendance Policy for more information about requesting leave of absence.

Monitoring attendance and punctuality

We monitor the attendance and punctuality of every child very closely. This helps us to:

• Identify any concerns early
• Provide support to families who need it
• Celebrate good attendance

If your child's attendance or punctuality becomes a concern, we will contact you to discuss how we can work together to improve it.

Celebrating good attendance

The class with the highest attendance and punctuality each week is rewarded in our weekly assembly. We celebrate children who attend school regularly and arrive on time.