Contact us by 8:15am on the day of absence, by phone or email. Please include your child's name and Learning Family, the reason for the absence, any action you are taking such as a GP appointment, and the date you expect them back. A member of staff may follow up with a call to check in and offer support.
attendance@charterbermondsey.org.uk
020 3542 6506
Where possible, please arrange appointments outside the school day to avoid disruption to learning. If an appointment is unavoidable during school hours, please inform us in advance and provide evidence such as an appointment card or letter. Your child must sign in and out at Reception.
No. Holidays during term time are not approved. If you take your child out of school without authorisation, the school may refer the matter to the Local Authority, who can issue a penalty notice. Fines start at £60 per parent per child if paid within 21 days, rising to £120 thereafter.
Applications for exceptional leave must be made in writing to the Principal before the absence, with a clear explanation of why leave is required and how long your child will be away. Only truly exceptional circumstances will be considered.
We will always try to work with families before taking any formal action. This may include a conversation with the Head of Year, a meeting at school or a home visit. Persistent absence is taken seriously and may ultimately result in legal action including fixed penalty notices.
Please inform your child's Head of Year as soon as possible if there are any circumstances that may affect their attendance. The earlier we know, the better we can support your family.
It is usually appropriate for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild respiratory illnesses. This would include general cold symptoms: a minor cough, runny nose or sore throat. However, children should not be sent to school if they have a temperature of 38°C or above. We would encourage you to share the NHS ‘Is my child too ill for school?’ guidance with parents and carers in your schools and communities which has further information.
