Attendance and Punctuality

School Start and Finish Times

The school day begins at 8.50am and ends at 3.15pm. Pupils must arrive between 8.40am and 8.48am. The school gates close promptly at 8.48am to ensure children are in class, settled, and ready to learn by 8.50am.

Any pupil arriving after 8.48am will be marked as late and must be signed in at the school office. Pupils arriving after 9.30am without evidence of a valid medical appointment will be marked as having an unauthorised absence for the morning session.

Reporting Absence

If your child is unwell or unable to attend school, you must notify the school office by 8.30am on each day of absence. You can:

• Call the office on 020 8969 0629
• Email: attendance@bevington.rbkc.sch.uk

Please clearly state your child’s full name, class, reason for absence, and expected date of return.

Where absence exceeds five days or occurs repeatedly within a six-week period, the school may request medical evidence. This can include a doctor’s note, prescription, or appointment confirmation.

Absence will only be authorised at the discretion of the Head of School or Executive Headteacher, especially where a pupil’s attendance is below 90%. Absences not explained or approved will be recorded as unauthorised.

Medical Appointments

Routine appointments should be arranged outside of school hours or during holidays. If an appointment during the school day is unavoidable:

• Children should attend school before or after the appointment whenever possible
• Appointment evidence must be provided
• A full day’s absence will not be authorised unless medically necessary

Punctuality

Punctuality is essential. Being late can cause disruption and result in lost learning time. All pupils must be through the school gate by 8.48am each day.

• Pupils arriving after 8.48am must be signed in via the school office
• Pupils arriving after 9.30am will be recorded as having an unauthorised absence unless supported by medical evidence
• Where lateness occurs more than once in a single week, the school will contact parents to offer support and request improvement

Term-Time Leave

Holidays during term time will not be authorised. If you believe your child requires leave for an exceptional circumstance, you must complete an Exceptional Leave Request Form well in advance of the proposed absence.

Completed forms should be submitted to the school office or emailed to Lisa Joynson at info@bevington.rbkc.sch.uk.

Decisions about term-time leave are made by the Head of School or Executive Headteacher, who will consider the nature of the request and your child’s attendance history. If leave is not authorised and the child is absent, this will be recorded as unauthorised, and a penalty notice may be issued.

Safeguarding and Attendance

Regular attendance is a key part of safeguarding. If a child is absent and we are unable to make contact with parents or emergency contacts, the school may conduct a home visit, refer to Family and Children’s Services, or involve the police if necessary.

Parents must ensure that the school has two up-to-date emergency contact details at all times. If your family moves or your child transfers to another school, you must inform the school office and complete an Off-Roll Form.

Useful Forms

• Exceptional Leave Request Form
  Use this form to request permission for your child to be absent during term time due to exceptional circumstances.
• Medical Evidence Submission Form
  Use this form to upload supporting documentation for medical appointments or illness-related absences.
• Change of Contact Details Form
  Use this form to update the school with new phone numbers, addresses or emergency contact information.
• Off-Roll Notification Form
  Complete this form if your child is transferring to another school, either in the UK or abroad.