Our Attendance & Punctuality Standards

• We expect every pupil to attend school for at least 96% of the time.
• We expect pupils to arrive on time every day.
• We will support parents in their legal responsibility to ensure their child attends school regularly and punctually.
• We believe family holidays should not be taken during term time. We are not obliged to authorise requests for absences/holidays during term time. If you make such a request, you will be required to attend a meeting with the Attendance Lead.
• Our Bagel Bar runs on a Monday and Thursday morning from 8:20am - 8:40am, children are welcome to take a bagel free of charge.
• Our Breakfast Club is open from 7:45am - 8:20am, and we charge £1.50 a day (free for benefit based free school meal children). We serve toast, bagels, cereals, yogurts and a selection of fruit juices. This is run by school staff and activities are on offer for the children to take part in.

"There is not time like the present… and no substitute for being present."

Lateness

One of the most important things affecting a child’s progress at school is regular attendance. For a child to gain most benefit from education, it is vital that parents work in partnership with the school to encourage good attendance and punctuality.

Every minute counts! 

The school gates open at 8:20am and close at 8:40am, the school operates a drop off service so no need for parents to park and walk children into school. 

Senior leaders are out every morning should to ensure children arrive at school safely.

If your child arrives at school after 9:05am, parents should sign their child in at reception. Unless we receive a valid reason, your a child will be marked with a 'U' code which is unauthorised.

Persistent lateness can lead to a Penalty Charge Notice being issued by the Education Welfare Officer.

Penalty notices are issued to parents as an alternative to prosecution and are intended to prevent the need for court action. With effect from 19^th August 2024;

• Penalty Notice Fines are to be issued to each parent, for each child that was absent. For example: 3 siblings absent for term time leave would result in each parent receiving 3 separate fines.
• First Offence - The first time a Penalty Notice is issued the amount will be: £160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days. This is reduced to £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days.
• Second Offence (within 3 years) – £160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days.
• Third Offence and any further offences – The case is to be presented straight to the Magistrates’ Court. A Magistrates fine can be up to £2500 per parent, per child.

Absences

Unavoidable absence

At Zaytouna Primary we believe family holidays should not be taken in term time. We will not authorise any holidays except in exceptional circumstances.

Absences which are considered unavoidable maybe authorised by the school. These include:

• Attending certain religious festivals or ceremonies which have been agreed with the school.
• Being in hospital or having hospital treatment.
• Attending a funeral with family.
• Taking part in a public performance or an examination.

Avoidable Absence

Absences which are considered avoidable will not be authorised by the school. These include:

• Minor illness or looking after an ill relative.
• Looking after the house or waiting for workmen/deliveries etc.
• Looking after brothers or sisters, including dropping them off at school or nursery.
• Helping with housework or a family business.
• Being unhappy or not getting on with others at school.
• Being up late the night before.