School Hours

A break of 15 minutes is taken during the morning session for both junior and infant children. 

School hours total 32.5 hours per week. 

Attendance and Punctuality

Good attendance and punctuality are essential for your child’s learning and success. The school day begins at 8:45am, and children are expected to be in their classrooms, ready to learn, by this time.

Absences should only occur when your child is genuinely unwell. Family holidays, outings, and non-urgent appointments (such as routine medical or dental visits) should be arranged outside of school hours whenever possible.

To ensure the safety of all pupils, the school gates close promptly at 8:45am. Anyone arriving after this time should enter the school through the main office.

If your child is going to be late or absent, please inform the school office by leaving a message, calling, or sending a letter explaining the reason. If you know in advance that your child will be absent, please telephone before 9:00am to avoid triggering the school’s automated ‘first day’ absence system. You must contact the school each day your child is absent.

If we have not heard from you by the first day of absence, the school will make contact with you. If we are unable to reach you by the second day, a home visit may be made to ensure your child’s safety.

Attendance and punctuality are closely monitored by the Attendance Officer, the Deputy Headteacher, and the Local Authority.

At the end of the day, children should be collected at 3:05pm. If your usual collection arrangements change, please call the school office before the end of the school day to let us know.

Holidays During Term Time

While parents and carers can request up to 10 days’ leave during term time, the Local Authority and the Governors of Capel-le-Ferne Primary School have agreed that such requests will not be authorised, except in exceptional circumstances.

Any child who misses school for unauthorised leave will be recorded as having unauthorised absence. When a pupil has accumulated 10 or more unauthorised half-day absences (equivalent to 5 full days) within any 100 possible school sessions (or 50 school days), the Local Authority will issue a Penalty Notice.

Penalty Notices are issued to each parent for each child. The fine is £120 per parent per child, reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days. Failure to pay within 28 days may result in prosecution by the Local Authority.

If you wish to request leave during term time, please complete a Leave of Absence Request Form, available from the school office. All requests must include your reason for the leave. The Headteacher will review each request in line with the school’s Attendance Policy, and their decision is final.

At Capel-le-Ferne Primary School, we want the very best for every child. If you have any worries or need support with attendance, please contact us.