The start of the day

Our preschool has a dedicated entrance in Manford Way.

All other pupils come into school through the gates on Arrowsmith Road. These gates open in the morning at 8.40am and children go straight into class when they arrive. All children should be in school by 8.50am. The teacher is in class and there is work for children to do from 8.40am. Registers are taken at 8.50am.

From 8.50am children are considered late for school and details are collected at the Arrowsmith Road gate.

At 9.00am the gates are closed and children need to come into school via the main office in Manford Way. If a child arrives after 9.30am they receive an unauthorised absence in the register. Repeated unauthorised absence could lead to a penalty notice being issued. 

Absence from school

We expect all children to be in school, on time, every day.

Sometimes children are too unwell to come to school, for example if they have a tummy bug which makes them vomit.

The majority of children can still come to school with a cold.

Often, children who feel a bit under the weather in the morning are fine when they are with their friends in class.

If your child is unable to come to school you should telephone the office on 0208 500 2143.

When you know your child is going to be absent, for example for religious observance or an appointment you should complete the leave of absence form.

Full information can be found in our attendance policy

Travelling during school time

Whilst we appreciate the significant extra cost of travelling during the school holidays we will not authorise time off so that your family can take a trip during the school term.  You can find out more about penalty notices, the law and Redbridge's code of conduct here.

Frequently asked questions:

A family member is very unwell and wishes to see our children, we feel it is an emergency. Will the school authorise the absence? Will we get a penalty notice?

In very rare circumstances the school may authorise a small number of days to travel and see an unwell relative. We will ask for proof that the trip has been booked as an emergency. We will also review your child's previous absence record as part of our decision making.

Our family is going on religious pilgrimage will the school authorise time off?

The school will not authorise time off during the school term for Umrah pilgrimmage. Whilst we appreciate this is an important experience, Umrah can be undertaken at any time. Therefore, we would expect families to travel in the school holidays.

Another family member has booked a trip for our family.  It was a surprise and we couldn't choose to go during the school holidays. Will the trip be authorised? Will we receive a penalty notice?

The trip will not be authorised during school term time and the school will, in most cases, request that a penalty notice is issued.