School Day Timings

The school gates are open from 8:40am and the school day starts for all classes at 8.45am.

At the end of the day, gates open at 3:15pm and all children from Reception - Year 6 children finish their learning at 3.25pm.

In a typical week, the total number of hours is 32.5 in line with government expectations.

Attendance

Your child’s education is very important. Regular, punctual school attendance and a good education help them to fulfil their potential and give them the best possible chances in life. Children are expected to be in school and collected on time. If your child is late, it may affect their attendance record. If you are going to be late to collect your child, please notify the school.

Responsibilities

The School:

expects pupils to attend school regularly and to arrive ready to learn.
will publish our attendance policy on our website.
will give parents feedback on school and pupil attendance levels through newsletters and award certificates.
will investigate all absenteeism.
will set a good example in matters of attendance and punctuality.
will work closely with parents/carers should attendance/punctuality give cause for concern.
will work with the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) to complete Annual Attendance Health Checks

Pupils:

will ensure that they attend regularly and on time.
will have individual records of attendance/punctuality acknowledged by the school.

Parents/carers are responsible for:

ensuring their children attend school regularly, punctually and and ready to learn.
informing the school of the reason for any unplanned absence by phone call 01837 52866 (a message can be left on our answer phone), by email to admin@okehamptonprimary.org.uk or personal visit on each day of absence, as soon as possible.
submitting an Absence Request Form for all planned absences, including medical appointments. Where possible, appointments should be made outside of school hours. This must be completed in advance of any occasion that requires absence from school.
ensuring the school always has at least 2 up to date contact numbers.

Reporting and Absence

Parents and carers are expected to inform the school by 8:00am if their child is going to be absent. You can do this in the following ways:

Call: 0183752866
Email: admin@okehamptonprimary.org.uk
Please include your child's full name, tutor group, and the reason for their absence.

If your child is absent and we have not been notified, you will receive call from our Admin team.

To ensure you receive these important communications, please make sure we have your most up-to-date email address on file.

Please see below details of the school's attendance policy and downloadable documents relating to holidays during schools times.

Leave of absence during term time

The school will not routinely grant permission for leave of absence to be taken in term time and discourages families making an application for leave except in special or exceptional circumstances.

Thank you for working with us to support excellent attendance and the success of all students at Okehampton Primary.

Requesting Term-Time Absence (S2 Form)

We understand that sometimes families may need to request time off during term. To do this, please complete the S2 Absence Request Form, available from our school office or website.

Key Information:

The form must be completed by the parent/carer with whom the child normally lives.
Please submit your request at least three school weeks before the intended absence.
Absences can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.

What the School Considers:

Your child’s current attendance record
Any previous unauthorised absences
The timing and length of the requested absence
Whether your child can catch up on missed learning

Each request is carefully reviewed, and you will be informed whether the absence is authorised. If not, the school will explain the reasons.

For more details, please contact the school office or visit Devon County Council’s admissions and attendance page.

Okehampton Primary School