Communication to School

The School Office

The School Office (tel: 01420 82070, email: office@altonschool.co.uk) should be the first port of call for all visitors to the school. The office staff will be able to take messages from parents for staff and provide information. Please feel free to phone between 8.30am and 5.00pm when there will always be someone willing to help.

Lateness

If a child is late for school and misses registration (8.40am) pupils must sign in at the School Office. Registers will be amended from this information.

Absence

For safeguarding reasons it is essential that we know if your child is not coming to school.

» Telephone 01420 82070 and select option 1 for absence. Please leave their name, tutor group and a brief description of why they are absent

» We must be informed of an absence for illness on each day of the absence

» Once the period of absence is ended, please email the Form Tutor with confirmation of the total days of absence

We ask you to avoid booking medical appointments during lesson time, however we are aware that at times this is not possible. For planned absences from school or lessons, such as dental/medical appointments which are likely to be less than half a day, then you can notify the relevant tutor directly.

If your child needs to leave school during the day, they must sign out in the ‘Signing Out’ using the electronic system.

There is a proven link between attendance and achievement. We want all of our Sixth Formers to achieve the highest possible standards, and therefore attendance is constantly monitored. Students will be asked to explain absences to the Director of Upper School. Those whose attendance falls below 95% will be asked for reasons. Parents will be notified when unauthorised absence occurs. This applies to any absence not explained in writing or by telephone by a parent/carer. All Sixth Form students are required to attend registration, assembly on a Monday morning and other key School events.

Parents are asked to avoid booking family holidays in term time. However, should this be absolutely unavoidable, please email the Headmaster requesting permission.