St Robert Southwell school day begins at 8.50am (gates open at 8.40am) and finishes at 3pm (gates open at 3.00pm).

We encourage and expect children to attend every day, when the school is in session, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so. At St Robert Southwell we believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school. Therefore we strive to make our school a happy and rewarding experience for all children. 

 What if my child is ill?

 Parents must inform school that their child is absent before 9.00am by telephone (01403 252 357) or email stating your child’s name, class and reason for absence (secretary@strobertsouthwell.co.uk).

 What if my child is late for school?

 School starts at 8.50am. Children who arrive after this time must enter school via the front door and the adult dropping them off must explain in our late book why the child was late for school.

Children who are late for school will be marked as late in the register.

What if my child has a medical appointment during the school day?

 We encourage parents to book appointments where possible outside of the school day however we do understand that in some circumstances this is just not possible. Please present you child's appointment card at the office and you child's absence will be authorised. 

Can I take my child out of school during term time?

The school holiday dates and INSET days are published on the school website at least a year in advance.

Only in exceptional circumstances will leave of absence in term time be authorised. Absence hinders a child’s learning and can also disrupt that of others in their class and year group.

Where leave of absence in term time is unavoidable, parents wishing to take children out of school during term time must attain authorisation from the Headteacher, on behalf of the school governing body, by obtaining a ‘Request for Absence from Learning’ form (available from the school office). Parents will be invited for interview to discuss this request and authorised absence will only be given in extenuating circumstances. Parents may be asked to provide additional information and evidence to support their request.