Key Information
Attendance
Attendance
Our Commitment
At Whitehouse Primary, we are committed to ensuring every child receives a full-time education that helps them reach their full potential. We work closely with families to promote regular and punctual attendance, creating a welcoming and secure environment for all.
Punctuality Matters
- School gates open: 8:40am
- School day begins: 8:50am
- Registers close: 9:00am
Children arriving after 8:50am without prior arrangement will be marked as late. Arrivals after 9:00am may be recorded as unauthorised absences unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Late arrivals must enter through the main gates and be signed in at the school office by an adult.
What We Expect from Parents
Celebrate your child’s achievements and support their learning journey
- Keep absence requests to a minimum
- Notify school of absences via Arbor or by phone on the first morning of absence
- Provide medical evidence where possible
- Ensure children arrive on time
- Work with our Attendance Officer, Victoria Gibson, to resolve any attendance issues
- Avoid holidays during term time—requests will only be considered in exceptional circumstances
- Be aware of key academic dates (e.g. SATs)
- Celebrate your child’s achievements and support their learning journey
Absence Guidance
Illness
Please notify school early each morning via Arbor or phone. Without this, the absence may be recorded as unauthorised.
Medical/Dental Appointments
Submit a copy of the appointment letter/card via email to whitehouse@whitehouseprimaryschool.org.uk or hand it in at the school office.
Exceptional Leave Requests
Complete a Leave of Absence Form via the school app or website: Parents → Forms → Leave of Absence
Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Supporting evidence is encouraged. Approval is at the Head Teacher’s discretion.
Term-Time Holidays
The government no longer allows term-time holidays as a right.
Unauthorised holidays may result in a Penalty Notice:
- £80 per parent, per child (if paid within 21 days)
- £160 per parent, per child (if paid within 28 days)
- Further offences may lead to prosecution
Refer to the Local Authority’s Penalty Notice Code of Conduct for full details.
Attendance Monitoring
Our Attendance Officer regularly reviews pupil attendance.
Children with attendance below 90% may be classed as Persistent Absentees, triggering warning letters or further action.
For questions, contact Victoria Gibson on 01642 678212
Attendance Rewards
Class Rewards
- Classes with 98–100% weekly attendance earn tokens
- Tokens can be spent on class treats or saved for a bigger reward at the end of the year
- Each class tracks their progress on an attendance chart
Individual Rewards
- Pupils with 98–100% termly attendance receive a certificate
- Pupils with 100% attendance for the full year are entered into a prize draw to win a voucher