At Stepgates we expect that all pupils will:

• attend school daily;
• attend school punctually;
• attend school appropriately prepared for the day;
• discuss promptly with their class teacher, any problems that deter them from attending school.

We expect that all parents/carers/persons who have day-to-day responsibility for the children will:

• ensure regular school attendance and be aware of their legal responsibilities;
• ensure that their child/children in their care arrive at school punctually and  prepared for the school day;
• ensure that they contact the school daily by 9am whenever the child/children is unable to attend school:
• contact the school promptly whenever any problem occurs that may keep the child away from school;
• notify the school of any home circumstances that might affect the behaviour and learning of their child;
• notify school immediately of any changes to contact details.

We expect that all parents/carers/persons who have day-to-day responsibility for the children will:

• ensure regular school attendance and be aware of their legal responsibilities;
• ensure that their child/children in their care arrive at school punctually and  prepared for the school day;
• ensure that they contact the school daily by 9am whenever the child/children is unable to attend school:
• contact the school promptly whenever any problem occurs that may keep the child away from school;
• notify the school of any home circumstances that might affect the behaviour and learning of their child;
• notify school immediately of any changes to contact details.

Punctuality to school is crucial. Lateness to school causes disruption to that individual’s learning and to that of the other pupils in the class. It is paramount therefore that all pupils arrive at school on time.

• Registration takes place at 8.45am and children who arrive after this will be recorded as late to school.
• If a pupil arrives at school after 9.15am the parent/carer must sign in the late book to ensure their presence on site is noted, particularly in the case of a fire drill.
• Registers close at 9.15am and after this lateness is recorded as an unauthorised absence and can be subject to prosecution by the local authority.
• Afternoon registration is taken at 1.00pm (Infants) and 1:10pm (Juniors).
• Persistent lateness by a pupil will be dealt with through the Attendance Officer and may be referred to Inclusion Service.
• Children’s attendance and punctuality is recorded on their report and will be passed on to future schools as necessary.

During school hours the school staff are legally in loco parentis and therefore must know where the children are during the school day.

• Children are not allowed to leave the premises without prior permission from the school.
• Whenever possible, parents should try to arrange medical and other appointments outside of school time.
• Parents are requested to confirm in writing, by letter or email, the reason for any planned absence, the time of leaving, the expected return time.
• Children must be signed out on leaving the school and be signed back in on their return.
• Where a child is being collected from the school, parents are to report to the school office before the child is allowed to leave the site.
• If a child leaves the school site without permission their parents will be contacted. Should the school be unable to make contact with the family it may be appropriate, in certain circumstances, to contact the Police and register the child as a missing person.