Attendance

We aim to ensure that all children attend school regularly and on time to enable them to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available. Regular, punctual attendance is valued and positively encouraged for all of our pupils.

Our gates open at 8:35am and children will be met by a member of staff as part of our ‘warm welcome’. Our registers are open from 8:45-8:50am. Any child who arrives between 8:50am and 9am will be marked as ‘late’ on the register. Any child who arrives after 9am will be marked as ‘U’ (unauthorised) for the morning session.

No holiday requests during term time will be authorised. Periods of absence equating to 5 consecutive days or 10 days in 10 weeks can be fined by the local authority (1st fine = £80 per parent, per child. 2nd fine doubles per parent/per child, 3rd fine triples per parent/per child). Please note, this now also includes INSET days.

For further information, please read our school attendance policy  St Andrew’s Attendance Policy 2025

You can also visit the ‘School attendance’ page on the Dorset Council website (linked here) https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/school-attendance