Absence, Attendance and Timekeeping

The importance of attendance and timekeeping

Good attendance and punctuality are essential for children's learning and wellbeing. When pupil's arrive on time and attend regularly, they settle quickly, feel confident in routines, and make the most of every learning opportunity. Consistent attendance also helps children build strong friendships and keeps their progress on track. By supporting good timekeeping at home, families help children develop positive habits that will benefit them throughout school and beyond.

Reporting an Absence

If your child is unwell or not able to come to school for any reason, the school MUST know on the first day of that absence. Please report any absence by 09.00 where possible using one of the following:

Arbor App - Use the absence button on the parent app or in-app message area.

Email - admin@lambslane.wokingham.sch.uk

Telephone - 0118 9883820 option 1 for the absence reporting answerphone.

Please confirm in detail the reason for absence; do not use poorly, unwell or sick. It is part of our Safeguarding Policy to ensure we know where all our pupils are when not at school.

Any absence that is longer than 2 days must be confirmed in writing (letter, email or In App Message) to ensure your child is recorded as authorised absence.

Attendance Advice and Guidance for Parents/Carers 

Please see further guidance on the Wokingham Borough Council Website here.

If your child has a sickness bug we ask that they do not come back to school until they are symptom free for 48 hours.

If your child is sick following, for example a coughing fit, we suggest a 24 hour absence to be sure it isn't a sickness bug.

Medicines in School

f your child has a recurring or infectious illness, please would you let us know. In agreement with the regulations laid down by the Health and Safety at Work Act, the school can only administer 'prescribed medicines' where written consent has been given by a parent. A medicine form can be obtained from the School Office where the medicines should be left each morning. We have been advised that where three doses daily have been prescribed for medicines, there is no reason why the doses cannot be administered before and after school and at bedtime. Where four daily doses are required, we are prepared to administer a dose at lunchtime on behalf of parents.

Should it be necessary for your child to receive medication during school hours, then the medicine should be clearly labelled with your child's name and full details of dosage.  The school accepts no liability for such items. Although we have a working practice that staff can administer medicine, staff have the right to refuse to administer the medicine. 

Illness

We do not have the facilities for looking after sick children. In the event of illness, we will try to contact parents immediately by phone or text. You should ensure that we have up-to-date information on your Arbor account, how to contact you and an emergency contact number.

Doctor and Hospital Appointments

If your child has a Doctor or Hospital appointment, please notify the school by phone or email as you would for any other absence. Please also provide a copy of the appointment confirmation letter, email or text.

Why is it important for your child to arrive to school on time?

As a result of your child arriving late, they may have missed the following types of learning....

• Reading
• Responding to teachers marking and making improvements to their work
• Thinking challenges and problem solving activities
• Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
• Handwriting practice
• Mental Maths and times table practice
• Individual reading
• Phonics

School starts at 09.00. It is important for your child's emotional wellbeing, learning and progress that they arrive in plenty of time for the start of the day. Pupils that arrive after 09.00 will be marked as late "L". Registers currently close at 09.10am, pupils that arrive after this time will be marked as late after registers close "U". U is an unauthorised absence. 

Children should be signed in/out of the premises by a responsible adult.

Persistent lateness may be reported to the Educational Welfare Officer. 

Please do contact the School Office for guidance and help.

email: admin@lambslane.wokingham.sch.uk

telephone: 0118 9883820