“Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no delay, no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” Earl of Chesterfield
Highgate Primary School believes that regular school attendance is the key to enabling children to maximise the educational opportunities available to them. Good attendance is therefore essential if children are to achieve their full potential.
Punctuality
Please ensure your child is in the school playground ready to line up at 9.00 am when the bell goes, after which teachers will lead the children to the classroom.
Children arriving after 9.00am will be recorded as being late, and will need to enter the school via the school office. The office staff have been requested to ask parents to provide a reason for any lateness, which will be recorded. Children will continue to be issued with a late pass, which will be handed to the class teacher on arrival in the classroom.
As you know, lessons start as soon as children enter the classroom. It is therefore essential for all pupils to be in school on time in order not to miss out on important learning time and avoid unnecessary disruption to the class.
Absence from School
If your child is absent from school, for whatever reason, please inform the office of the reason for their absence by 9.10 am. If we do not hear from you by then, you will receive a text message from the office requesting an explanation, so we can ensure your child is safe. Please note this is particularly vital for parents of Year 5 and 6 children who walk to school by themselves, otherwise the office staff have to spend time ensuring the children’s safety.
If you do not inform the office of the reason within 24 hours of the text, the absence will be marked as unauthorised, until we receive an explanation.
With regards to illness, if your child is sick for more than 5 consecutive days, a medical certificate or evidence of a medical appointment may be requested.
Exceptional Absence Requests
Parents planning to take children out of school in term time are required to complete an Exceptional Absence Request Form, which needs to be signed in advance by the Headteacher. This request is at the Headteacher’s discretion and will only be granted in genuinely exceptional circumstances. Consideration will be given to cultural needs and family circumstances. Evidence of the reasons for the leave of absence may be requested by the school.
For further information, please see our Attendance Policy.
