Attendance

At Orion Scotts Park Primary, we know that regular attendance and punctuality are key to every child’s success. Being in school every day ensures that pupils make the most of learning opportunities, build strong friendships, and develop the routines and resilience that will support them throughout their lives.

We have high expectations for attendance and punctuality because we want the very best for our children. Arriving on time and attending regularly not only helps pupils achieve academically, but also supports their wellbeing, confidence, and wider personal development.

As a school, we follow the latest government guidance, Working Together to Improve School Attendance, and work in close partnership with the local authority to promote good attendance and provide support where it is needed.

We ask all parents and carers to work in partnership with us to ensure children are in school every day, ready to learn, and on time. By working together, we can give every child the best possible start and help them reach their full potential.

What should I do if my child is unwell?

Please call our school office number 0208 460 8899 option 1. When leaving a message please state the child's full name, class and the reason for the absence. We do not accept emails reporting absence.

Please note that it is essential you contact the school on the first and every subsequent day of absence. Failure to do so may result in a home-visit by the school or welfare check by the Police.

What should I do if my child is going to be late?

Every effort should be made to ensure that children are in school for the start of the school day. If your child is going to be late to school, please contact the main office via telephone to explain the reason for your child’s lateness. When arriving to school, please report to the main office, providing reason and clarification as to why your child is late. Please provide any evidence (i.e. medical/appointment). Without supporting evidence, any absence through lateness will be marked as unauthorised and will affect your child’s attendance record.

What should I do if I need to take my child out of school early or for a sustained period of time?

Taking children out of school should be seen as a last resort and alternative provision should be exhausted before taking the option to take your child out of the school day or for long periods of time. Please make sure you speak with the Principal should there be circumstances where this may need to happen.

Authorised absence is granted only in exceptional circumstances and can only be granted by the Principal. In order to request exceptional circumstances, please write to the Principal via the school office and include any supporting documents and/or evidence to support your request.

What happens if my child’s attendance goes below 96% or punctuality becomes a concern?

Whilst we understand children do genuinely have childhood illnesses, this is taken into consideration when agreeing to authorise up to 4% absence due to ill health or appointments. If your child’s attendance falls below this level – Bromley Educational Welfare will be alerted.

The taking of holidays during term time will be categorised as an unauthorised absence.

Schools are not permitted (in accordance with Government Guidelines) to and will not authorise any term-time holidays.

Who should I contact if I have any concerns regarding attendance?

Should you have any questions regarding attendance then please do not hesitate to contact the Principal, Mrs Cummings, Attendance Officer or Mrs Garcia our Family Liaison Officer, who will be happy to discuss your child’s attendance with you in more detail.