The School's Expectation

At Thorpe Lea, we believe that school provides the essential foundations for every child’s future success. Research shows attendance plays a key role in both academic achievement and social development. The school sets high standards for attendance because we want every child to thrive and make excellent progress. Your child should attend school every day unless they are unwell. If your child is absent, please let us know via the Studybugs app by 9:30am at the latest.

If we don’t receive a message, we’ll follow up with a Studybugs message and, if needed, a phone call.

Thank you for working with us to give your child the best possible start.

Punctuality

In the morning, registers are taken at 9am and any child arriving after then will be marked as late (L). Registers close at 9.20am and children arriving after this will be marked in as unauthorised absence (U). Late arrivals should be signed in by their parent via the Inventry screen located in the office foyer.

Time off During Term Time  

Please note that wherever possible, medical and dental appointments should be booked outside of school hours.  If this is not possible, please notify the office via Studybugs, with evidence of the appointment. 

Holidays in Term Time

Please note the Headteacher is unable to authorise absence in term time except in exceptional circumstances. Please submit a Request for Exceptional Leave of Absence form, which can be found here.

Deciding Factors for Accepting Absence Requests

When considering a Request for Leave of Absence, the Head Teacher will take the following into account: the effect the absence will have on the child's education and ability to achieve; the overall pattern of attendance and punctuality; the age of the child; the child's stage of education; the time of year (SATs or assessments); and the particular circumstances.

Information on Penalty Notice Fines – Surrey County Council