Attendance

Absence and punctuality 
 
We take absence and punctuality very seriously. Research shows that children with high attendance (95% and above) make the best progress at school.  Children need to attend school everyday unless they are ill. If your child is absent from school for any reason you must telephone on the first day of absence followed by a written note when your child returns to school. You may also email us: josephhoodprimary@josephhood.merton.sch.uk
 
The school does not authorise leave of absence unless there are exceptional circumstances. Holidays during term time must not be taken and will not be authorised. Holidays during term time may also incur a fine from the Local Authority. Planned absence during term time cannot be authorised unless there is an emergency which requires a family to travel.

Please also make sure that your child arrives at school on time. It is upsetting for a child to join a class that is already settled and can be disruptive to other children in the class.
 
Every week the classes with highest collective attendance and/or highest punctuality receive a certificate.  Every term children with 100% attendance are awarded a certificate in a special assembly.
 
If your child becomes ill during the school day or has an accident we will need to get in touch with you. Please make sure that the school office has up to date contact numbers for you and also for someone you have nominated in case you cannot be contacted.