Kenmore Park Junior School
Education is the most powerful gift

 Attendance


Attendance Guide for Families at Kenmore Park Junior School

The following information applies to parents of all children at Kenmore Park Junior School. However, we are aware that there will be occasional exceptional circumstances that will require individual support or alternative arrangements. We are available and wish to encourage parents/carers to discuss any difficulties they may be experiencing.

Regular school attendance is a legal obligation.

When does my child need to arrive at school?

The school gates open at 8.30am. Your child should be in school by 8.50am/9a.m.when the whistle is blown for registration.

What happens if my child is late?

We take the view there are no late children, only late parents.

If your child arrives after 8.50amthey are late. We expect children to be accompanied into school by their parent and taken to the office to sign in. A text message will be sent to families of children who are late to school, families may also receive a letter. If concerns regarding punctuality continue parents/carers will be asked to attend a meeting with the Deputy Head teacher or Pastoral Manger.

If your child arrives after 9.20am they will receive an unauthorised absencemark instead of a late mark. The school will ask for an explanation of this lateness. If the explanation is accepted by the school your child’s mark may be authorised. This will be shown on your child’s end of term report and Assertive Mentoring pupil profile.

It is important that children develop good habits early on in life. It can be very distressing for children when they are late for school it impacts not only on their learning but also their emotional well-being.

Will the school contact me if my child is absent?

We would expect a parent/carer to phone the school on the first day of absence. If we do not receive an explanation or if the explanation is unsatisfactory we will not authorise the absence. This will show up on your child’s end of year report and Assertive Mentoring pupil profile.

Letters and phone calls from the school will alert you to any attendance issues. These follow government guidelines which state that a child’s attendance at school should be at least 96% if they are to achieve their full potential. Many pupils have 100% attendance and they are proven to do well in primary school and beyond.

What reasons does the school accept for absence?

  • Genuine illness – we may require evidence such as appointment card, dentists letter
  • Unavoidable/emergency medical/dental/hospital appointments
  • Family bereavement
  • Participation in approved public performance

We would expect any routine medical appointment to take place out of school hours or during the school holidays.

In cases of recurring absences for illness you may be asked to produce a medical certificate or the school may request your permission to contact your child’s GP.

What is an unacceptable reason for absence?

The school will not authorise absences for:

  • Day trips
  • Birthdays
  • Visiting relatives
  • Looking after siblings
  • Shopping
  • Siblings who are ill
  • Parents who are ill
  • Bad weather

This list is not conclusive

Should I inform the school if my child travels alone?

Yes, please make sure the school is informed if your child is travelling to school independently. If your child if absent and they are an independent traveller please inform the school at the earliest possible convince. We have an answer phone facility that is accessible when the school is closed. Contact information must be kept up to date. If we do not hear from you we will endeavour to make contact. It is essential that we have the correct information.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further please contact Jenny Mason (Pastoral Manager)

Can we take holidays in term time?

No, parents who take their children on holiday during term time will be referred to the Harrow Court Officer. An Educational Penalty Notice will then be issued by the borough costing the parent £60 per child.

Leave of absence will only be granted in an emergencyor for exceptional circumstances

Emergency Leave Request Form

For your information the school follows these local authority guidelines. The local authority may issue a Penalty Notice or take Court action if any of the following apply.


- At least 20 sessions (10 school days) lost to unauthorised absence within a period of no more than 12 weeks.
- A leave of absence of a least 10 consecutive sessions (5 school days) not approved by head teacher as exceptional.
- In cases where a child persistently arrives at school late (10 unauthorised late marks) within a period of no more than 12 weeks.
IN ALMOST ALL CASES YOUR REQUEST WILL BE DENIED BY THE LOCAL AUTHORITY BECAUSE THE CHILD'S RIGHT TO EDUCATION OVERRIDES ALL OTHER REQUESTS. Please find below part of the contract you signed during your child’s enrolment process. It clearly explains the expectations regarding emergency leave requests. “I understand that requesting time off during a school term is for exceptional circumstances only. This request must be made in writing prior to making/booking any travel arrangements. Evidence must be provided.” Only fill in the following if you are requesting emergency leave for your child.