Welcome to our Attendance page!

Here you will find useful information about our expectations, attendance policy, the rewards we offer for good attendance, and the steps we take if we have any concerns.

Mr. Malin is our Attendance Lead, and Miss Parkes is our Attendance Officer. Miss Parkes is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding attendance.

If you do have any questions, please feel free to call the school office or email us at attendance@edwardpauling.hounslow.sch.uk.

The school day

School starts at 8:40am. Classroom doors will be open between 8:40am and 8:50am.
If your child arrives after 8:50am, please bring them to the school office to sign in and give their lunch order.

Please note:

• If your child arrives after 9:20am, they will be marked absent for the morning session, which will affect their overall attendance.

• If lateness continues, you may receive a punctuality letter.

• Continued lateness after this may result in a referral to The School Attendance Support Service.

School finishes at 3:20pm. Classroom doors will remain open until 3:30pm for collection.

Why is attendance important?

Being around teachers and friends in a school or college environment is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential. Time in school also keeps children safe and provides access to extracurricular opportunities and pastoral care. Being in school also helps children develop lasting friendships!

Being in school is important to your child’s achievement, wellbeing, and wider development. Evidence shows that the students with the highest attendance throughout their time in school gain the best GCSE and A Level results. 

Term time leave

We understand that families sometimes face difficult situations. However, by law, children should attend school during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Only the headteacher can approve these requests.

When leave may be approved

The school may authorise leave if your child needs time off because of:

• A serious family bereavement (parent, step-parent, main carer, or sibling).

• A serious illness affecting a parent, step-parent, sibling, or main carer.

• A situation involving significant abuse where time away could help recovery.

• Your child needs to attend court.

When leave cannot be approved

• Family holidays, even for weddings or visiting relatives.

• Trips based on cheap flights or special holiday deals.

• Medical treatment overseas - treatment can be arranged in the UK

How to request leave

• Please submit your request as early as possible — ideally at least 4 weeks before the planned absence.

• Use the school’s leave request form (available from the school office).

• You will need to provide evidence to support your request.

• Every request is looked at individually to make sure we understand your situation.

Leave taken that is not authorised will be treated as Term-Time Leave. Term time leave will be referred to the School Attendance Support Service once your child has returned to school. Please see attached at the bottom of the page Term Time Leave leaflets provided from the local authority.

Some useful information

Is my child too ill for school?

Please see the below link for the NHS guidance on whether your child is too ill for school.

Is my child too ill for school? - NHS