Swaffield School

Attendance & Punctuality

It is only by attending school regularly and punctually that pupils can take advantage of the educational opportunities that are available to them. Statistical evidence indicates that those children who do not attend school on a regular basis do not make the same level of progress as those children who do.

We are committed to meeting our obligations with regards to school attendance by:

  • Promoting good attendance and reducing absence, including persistent absence
  • Ensuring every pupil has access to full-time education to which they are entitled
  • Acting early to address patterns of absence

We will also support parents to perform their legal duty to ensure their children of compulsory school age attend regularly, and will promote and support punctuality in attending lessons.
Scroll down to see how to request support as well as our Attendance and Punctuality Policy. 

Lateness = Lost Learning

School starts at 8:55am. Your child will be late if they arrive after this time.

If you are 5 minutes late every day that adds up to more than 3 days lost over the year.
15 minutes late every day is the same as being absent for 2 weeks of the year as shown the chart below.
(Days lost are on the green columns; minutes late across the bottom). 

 

Process for parents - absence and attendance

 


 

Download a copy below:

Process for parents absence and attendance 

For Support and Advice

Please speak to the School Office on 020 8874 2825 or email on swaffield@swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk if you would like support or advice. 

You can contact our link governor for attendance and punctuality through the School Office.

Attendance and Punctuality Policy:

attendance and punctuality policy jan 2023 4 doc.pdf

How To Request Absence

The Headteacher will only grant a leave of absence to pupils during term time if they consider there to be 'exceptional circumstances'. A leave of absence is granted at the headteacher’s discretion and should be requested using this Absence Request form. Once completed, please email it for the attention of the Head Teacher to swaffield@swaffield.wandsworth.sch.uk  

Absence Request Form

The school considers each application for term-time absence individually, taking into account the specific facts, circumstances and relevant context behind the request. The school reserves the right to request evidence to verify the information given (eg: flight booking information, medical certificates, etc).

Every Day Counts

Years of experience have shown us that missing days or consistently arriving late can hinder each child growing and developing to their very best.

Attendance at school and arriving on time really is important to us and we need and expect parents and carers to ensure this happens consistently.

We know that you want to help your child whenever you can and this really is a good way to show it. We can only help your child when they're here!

Attendance at school is also a legal issue and as such we are supported by Wandsworth Education Welfare Department. We work within the school policy on attendance and punctuality, provide attendance figures to the Council and the DCFS and as per our policy enforce fines to parents and carers under appropriate circumstances. At times significantly more serious prosecution has to take place. We really want to avoid this. 

 
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