Attendance & Absence

Good attendance works hand in hand with your child reaching their full potential, therefore all students are expected to attend 100% of the time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Absences can only be authorised for illness, medical appointments, religious observance and compassionate leave. If you wish to take your child out of school during term time for any other reason, a leave request form must be completed. These can be found in Student Services or Reception. Leave will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances and unauthorised leave could lead to a Penalty Notice being issued, see leave request form for more information.

Parents must notify the school on EACH day of absence by 9am, either by telephone 01883 347818 ext. 165 or e-mail attendance@destafford.org.uk.  This is for your child's safety.

School starts promptly at 8.30am. Students who arrive after this time will receive an L mark (Late before register closes). Students arriving after 9am will receive a U mark (Late after register closes), which is an absence mark for the morning session and therefore will impact on their attendance level. Parents may be advised of lateness via a text home. Sanctions are in place for continual lateness and parents may be asked to attend a meeting.

Letters will be sent out throughout the school year to highlight any concerns and in some cases parents may be asked to attend a meeting. If your child’s attendance remains consistently low, a referral will be made to Education Welfare who will continue to work with you to improve your child's attendance. An exemplar of letters you may receive should your child’s attendance become a concern are linked below.

Contact us: de Stafford School, Burntwood Lane, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5YX.

Tel: 01883 347818
Email: attendance@destafford.org.uk