At Albion we celebrate good attendance and punctuality

At Albion we expect all children to attend school every day unless they are ill. Albion places a high priority on achieving standards and feel that excellent pupil attendance and punctuality are essential. In order for children to achieve their potential, pupils must be highly motivated to learn and keen and eager to attend school. Regular, punctual attendance will establish good habits that will support them throughout their lives.

It is important that your child arrives at school on time. The school day starts at 8.55am; however the school gates open at 8.45am as we operate a 'soft start' where children walk straight into class and early morning work is provided by the class teacher. All children are expected to be ready to work at 8.55am.

Absence from school

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. Family holidays will be marked with an unauthorised absence. 

Informing school of child absence

If, for any reason, your child is late or absent, a message or letter must be given to the school office or class teacher explaining the reason for the absence/lateness. If you know your child will be absent, a telephone call before 8.55am will prevent a phone call home being made. 

Studybugs

We are pleased to announce that we have introduced a new, more efficient and secure system for reporting your child’s absence due to illness, called Studybugs.

If you have not already, please get the free Studybugs app, or register on the Studybugs website, and use it to tell us whenever your child’s ill and unable to attend school.

Get the app or register now (https://studybugs.com/about/parents)

Here are the top 3 reasons to use Studybugs:
1. It’s integrated with our systems so we know right away if your child is unaccounted for.
2. It’s quick and easy to register and use and automatically reminds you to keep us posted.
3. You’ll be helping the NHS and other public health organisations improve children’s health. (https://studybugs.com/about/schools)

Home Time

Children should be collected at 3.25pm. If your normal collection arrangements fail, please telephone to let us know before the end of the school day.

Attendance and Punctuality Tips!

• Get book bags and clothes ready the night before to speed up the morning routine                 
• Make sure your child is in bed at a reasonable time
• Let your child's teacher know if you or they are having problems getting up for school
• Make routine appointments e.g. dentist, during the holidays or after school 

Positive Attendance

• We award a weekly class attendance cup
• We give certificates, praise and additional rewards
• We have a display board celebrating good attendance
• We have a termly certificate for individuals with excellent attendance (98- 100%)

Who is there to support?

We recognise the need to tackle any issues surrounding attendance and punctuality. We have regular attendance meetings and work closely with Southwark Early help to support families with low attendance and lateness. Low attendance impacts significantly on children's wellbeing and progress.

If you need further information please refer to our Attendance Policy or contact Caroline Bannister, Deputy Headteacher, at school.

Contact: cbannister@albion.southwark.sch.uk

If you want to report your child absent, please complete the form by clicking here.