Attendance

Regular attendance gives children the best opportunity to learn, develop friendships and make the most of everything school has to offer. At Crawley Ridge, we want every child to feel happy, settled and ready to learn each day. We work in partnership with parents and carers to support good attendance, identify any difficulties early and help overcome any barriers that may prevent children from coming to school. Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring their child attends school regularly and on time.

Arrival times and lateness

Our school doors open at 8.35am, and all children should be in their classrooms by 8.45am, ready to start their learning. Arriving on time helps children settle into the school day, feel prepared and make the most of every learning opportunity.

The doors are locked at 8.45am, when registers are taken. If your child arrives after this time, please bring them to the main office, where you will be asked to sign them in and provide a reason for their lateness.

Absence for illness

If your child is absent due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, we would appreciate a telephone call on the first morning of absence before 9.00 am. You can also report same day absences on the Arbor app. 

Absences for reasons other than illness

Regular attendance is important for your child’s learning, friendships and wellbeing. Time away from school can disrupt learning, affect confidence and make it harder for children to keep up with the rest of the class. We therefore ask families to arrange holidays during the published school holiday dates, which are available well in advance.

We understand that exceptional circumstances may arise. If you need to request leave during term time, please complete the online Leave of Absence form (Appendix 2 of our Attendance Policy) before the planned absence, giving as much notice as possible. Each request will be considered individually in line with statutory guidance. Holidays and special occasions will not normally be authorised, and only exceptional circumstances, such as bereavement, may be authorised. If you would like to discuss your circumstances, please contact the school office to arrange a conversation with the Headteacher.

The Importance of Punctuality 

Unauthorised absence and penalty notices

If your child has unauthorised absence from school, a penalty notice may be issued in line with Surrey County Council’s attendance guidance.

Penalty notices may be considered in the following circumstances:

• Term-time leave: If a child is taken out of school without authorisation for five or more days (which do not need to be consecutive).

• Repeated unauthorised absence: If a child has 10 or more sessions of unauthorised absence within a rolling period of 10 school weeks. Each school day consists of two sessions: morning and afternoon.

Penalty notice fines

Fines are issued per parent/carer, per child, and the amount depends on whether a previous penalty notice has been issued within the relevant three-year period.

• First penalty notice: £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days. Payment must be made within 28 days.

• Second penalty notice within three years: £160, with no reduction for early payment.

• Further offences within three years: A third penalty notice will not be issued. The case may instead be referred for prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court.

If a penalty notice is not paid within the required timeframe, further legal proceedings may be considered.

The Headteacher is responsible for decisions about authorising absence. Surrey County Council issues penalty notices and cannot withdraw a request without the Headteacher’s written permission.