If your child is sick or not coming to school for any reason, the school MUST know on the first day of that absence. Please report any absence by 8.30am where possible using one of the below:

Arbor App - Use Absence Button on Parent App or In-App Message area

Email - admin@churchendacademy.com

Telephone - 0118 937 5450

Please confirm in detail the reason for absence; do not use poorly, unwell or sick. 

If you do not report an absence on the day, an email/text message/phone call will be made asking for the reason for absence. This is part of our Safeguarding Policy to ensure we know where all our pupils are when not at school

It is really important that your child attends school on time. It is unsettling for them to arrive late, as learning starts promptly after the register. We understand that there are occasionally reasons for lateness, but persistent lateness will result in further action. 

If your child is to be late into school or needs to leave for an appointment (copy of an appointment card/text/letter should be shown to the School Office), they MUST be signed in/out of the premises by a responsible adult.

If for any reason you will be late collecting your child, please telephone the School Office to advise what alternative arrangements you have made. 

• Arriving 5 minutes late every day adds up to over 3 days lost each year;
• Arriving 15 minutes late every day is the same as being absent for 2 weeks a year;
• Arriving 30 minutes late every day is the same as being absent for 19 days a year;
• 19 days lost a year through being late = 90% attendance.

Top tips!

Getting to school on time is not just about making sure your child doesn't get a late mark. It is important for many reasons. 

• For some children, running late can cause them anxiety that can stay with them all day. For others, they will not learn the importance of being on time.
• They are playing catch up from the beginning of the day. 
• Chatting to friends before they go into class can relax them and help friendships. 
• Children might feel they stand out for the wrong reasons if they are late. 

It can help if...

• You help your child get ready the night before so there is not the panic or rush in  the mornings looking for things they might need. 
• No TV  or gadgets until they are ready and have done all they need to do. 
• Try leaving 5 minutes earlier than needed. It reduces the pressure for everyone. 
• School meals are ordered in advance.

Morning tick list. 

• School bag
• Water bottle 
• Homework
• Packed lunch if needed. 
• Reading book and reading record.
• Anything else the teacher has asked them to bring in.
• Jumper or cardigan, coat,  (hat and gloves if its cold)
• Shoes ready by the front door.

• Encourage your child to come to school. We know that children who have regular attendance above 95% achieve better success in statutory assessments from Reception onwards.
• Please don’t keep your child off school unless they are unwell. For more information, please see here for NHS advice. 
• If your child is unwell, please contact the school office and let us know.
• Give yourself and your child plenty of time in the morning to get ready and make it to school on time. Stick to the same routine.
• Make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable time - it is harder to get up in the morning if you are tired.
• Bring your child to school on time and pick them up on time.
• If you are experiencing problems with getting your child to school; please speak to your child's teacher or our Parent Liaison Lead.
• Don’t take holidays in term time.

Term-time leave of absence is recorded as unauthorised,  except for very exceptional circumstances. 

• The regulations state that if a child is of school age and absent from school for an unauthorised holiday/leave of absence for more than 10 sessions (5 days), they will be liable for a fixed penalty fine upon their return to school. 
• The fine is currently £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days per child, per parent. 
• A second penalty notice within three years for the same child is always £160. 
• After two penalty notices within three years, alternative actions like a parenting order or prosecution are considered. 

Absence either before or after a leave of absence will be marked unauthorised unless evidence is provided.