Late/Absence Procedures

Morning Start

Doors open at 8:30am for Years 1 through to 6 and the children will enter and exit, where possible, via their external classroom door.  

Reception children will be greeted at the classroom gate at 8.45am.

Arriving Late

Registers are taken promptly at 8.45am ensuring that the school day can begin on time. All children arriving after 8.45am MUST report to the school office to be signed in. The reason for the lateness will be recorded on the register and an L code will be used. 

The register closes at 9.15am and all children arriving after this time will be recorded as Late After the Register Closes and a U code will be used. This is recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Absence and illness

If your child is absent, please let the school know, by 9am, by telephoning 01305 785711 and leaving a voicemail on the 24hr absence message line or speaking to a member of the office team. Alternatively you can email office@stjohnswey.dsat.org.uk with the reason for your child's absence. Any absence without an explanation will be recorded as unauthorised. If your child has a medical appointment, please ensure that you let the office team know beforehand. Proof of the appointment is required, which will be added to your child's register mark. Please note that after sickness and diarrhoea, your child must not return for 48 hours.

No requests for holidays in term time will be authorised. Requests for a leave of absence for any other exceptional circumstance must be sent to the Head Teacher. Attendance will be closely monitored for all children and any persistent unauthorised absence will lead to involvement of Dorset Local Authority Legal and Welfare services.