Absence, Lateness & Attendance

Absence and Parental Responsibility

It is the parents’ responsibility to contact the school as soon as possible on the first day their child is absent, and on a daily basis until the child's return to school. This is a safeguarding issue requirement so that all parties know that your child is safe and their whereabouts is known.

Please telephone the school office or email absence@st-johns.kent.sch.uk giving the reason, child's full name and class. Parents should regularly update the school and inform the school when their child is returning.

Pupils are expected to arrive by 8.45am. All pupils that arrive late must report, with their parent/carer, to the school office where the reason for lateness is recorded.

School Day Timings

Leave of Absence Request

If you wish to take your child out of school for any period of time you must complete an Application for Leave of Absence Form, available from the school office or from our website (below). Please return it to Mrs Maskell (a.maskell@st-johns.kent.sch.uk) or via the School Office, explaining the exceptional circumstances, at least two weeks prior to the date of absence. You may be required to attend a meeting with the Headteacher to discuss this.

Parents are strongly advised by the Government and Local Authority to avoid taking children out of school in term time because of the disruption it causes to their education.

Penalty Notices may be issued for unauthorised absence from school of at least 10 sessions (5 days). The penalty will be £120 per parent per child to be paid within 28 days, reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days. Failure to pay the penalty in full by the end of the 28 day period may result in prosecution by the Local Authority.