Attendance at St Margaret's 

At St Margaret's we believe in "Transforming lives by living and learning together in God's love". As a result we seek to ensure that all its pupils receive a full-time education which maximises opportunities for each pupil to realise their true potential. Good attendance and punctuality are vital to this.  The school will strive to provide a welcoming, caring environment, whereby each member of the school community feels accepted, wanted and valued. All school staff will work with pupils and their families to ensure each pupil attends school regularly and punctually.

Punctuality and the School Day 

Pupils should come into school at 8.30am and the school day starts promptly at 8.40 a.m. If a child arrives at school after 8.40 a.m. without prior arrangements having been agreed, they will be deemed late.  Registers close at 8:55 a.m. and arrival at school after this time, without prior approval or extenuating circumstances, will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Afternoon registers are taken at 1pm in Reception and Key Stage 1 and at 1:15pm in Key Stage 2. Any unexplained absences will be investigated by the Attendance Officer immediately. 

The school day finishes at 3.10pm. 

What is expected of the pupils?

• To respect themselves and others

• To do all they can to attend school regularly and punctually

• To inform a trusted adult if they feel that they are being bullied

• To talk to a trusted adult if they are struggling with any aspects of school

• To be kind and encouraging to themselves and others 

What is expected of parents? 

• To keep requests for their child to be absent to a minimum

• To offer a reason, or medical proof, for any period of absence, preferably before the absence or on the first day of absence

• To ensure that their child arrives at school on time, a reason should be offered for any lateness

• To work closely with the school and Attendance Team to resolve any problems that may impede a child’s attendance

• To take family holidays during school holiday periods and be aware that requests for holidays during term time will be refused and may result in a fixed penalty notice being issued by the county council.

• To be aware of curriculum requirements and be especially vigilant with regards to attendance during important academic times such as SATS

• To support their child and recognise their successes and achievements

As part of Suffolk County Council, we work closely with the School Attendance Support Service to ensure that all children are attending school regularly. Information about this service is available by clicking the link below:

ATTENDANCE MATTERS 

Leave of Absence Procedures

As detailed in our Attendance Policy, and in line with DfE guidance, we do not authorise leave of absence during term other than when exceptional circumstances permit. If you wish to take your child out of school, during term time, it is important to discuss this with us as much in advance as possible so we can guide you through the process. Please speak to Mrs Gonen in the school office or Mrs Richards, the Inclusion Manager.

However, where absence is unauthorised, it could lead to further action being taken including a penalty notice being issued. Department for Education information regarding this is available through the link below. 

Useful Information and Guidance