Attendance and Punctuality

It is very important that your child arrives at school on time, school day starts at 9.00am; however the school bell will ring five minutes before school day starts and children are expected to be in the school playground by this time.

Absence from school can only usually be justified when your child is ill. Family holidays, outings and, where possible, medical and dental appointments must be arranged out of school time. In order to maintain safety for all pupils, the side gates are locked after 9:00 am. Please use the main gate after this time.

If, for any reason, your child is late or absent, a message or letter must be given to the school office explaining the reason for the absence/lateness. If you know your child will be absent, a telephone call before 9:00 am will prevent a phone call home being made.

Lateness and absence are monitored by Attendance and Family Support Worker - Dee Dillon and the Local Authority, in addition to the Headteacher.

Children should be collected at 3:30pm. If your normal collection arrangements fail, please telephone to let us know before the end of school.

Attendance Process Letter

Holidays during term time

Although the law gives parents/carers permission to request 10 days’ leave during term time in any one school year, the Local Authority and the Governors of Ben Jonson School have agreed a policy whereby any such requests will be turned down.

Children who miss school for this reason, will be marked with an unauthorised absence. If children have not returned after a further 10 days, their names will be removed from the school register. Parents/carers must be aware that, with full classes in most year groups, it is unlikely that your child will get their place back at Ben Jonson.

Please remember that, like you, the school wants the very best for your child. If you have any concerns, however trivial, please come and talk to us as soon as possible. We have translators/interpreters available during the school day.