Click here for the Kindergarten policies (updated 1/9/25).  If you have any questions, please email the Kindergarten office or call 020 8457 8792.

ABSENT CHILD POLICY
If your child is unable to attend our setting, we ask that you call or message us to give an explanation. Our mobile number is 07512329137.
If we do not have an explanation of absence on the same day, we will call the additional emergency contact you provided to Mita in the Kindergarten Office. If we fail to make contact within 48 hours, we will contact Children’s Services. (This is in accordance with the Children’s Act 2004).
This policy reflects the vision and aims:-
• Encouraging staff, parents/carers and children to maximise the learning experience so that all children reach their full potential.
• Providing clear procedures for involving parents/carers relating to kindergarten attendance.

PRINCIPLES
Regular and punctual attendance is of paramount importance in ensuring that all children have full access to the curriculum. Valuable learning time is lost when children are absent or late, and research has shown the negative effects of absence.

All children must attend Alyth Kindergarten punctually on every day the setting is open, except where absence is unavoidable. Any absence from kindergarten or from a funded 2-, 3-, or 4-year-old place without an acceptable reason will be investigated and acted upon in accordance with the setting’s attendance procedures.
Children should arrive at school no later than 9.10am for the morning session.
If a child is reluctant to attend the setting, communication between the parent and the kindergarten s encouraged. It is never better to cover up their absence or to give in to pressure to excuse them from attending. This gives the impression that attendance does not matter and may make things worse.
It is the parents’/ carers’ responsibility to contact the kindergarten whenever the child is absent. This must be on the first day of absence by 9.30, and subsequently on a daily basis. In the case of medical appointments, evidence may be required, although all appointments should be made outside of the setting’s hours where possible.

THE ROLE OF STAFF
Staff complete a register at the beginning of each morning. If parents/carers have not explained the reason for absence by 9.30 am, the parent/carer will be called.
When appropriate, teachers raise any concerns with the Head Teacher, who takes appropriate action when absence is a concern and will contact the parents/carers to discuss attendance issues.

PROCEDURES
If absence is a persistent problem, a meeting will be arranged at the setting with the parent and the Head Teacher.

ARRIVAL TIMES AND LATENESS
We are trying to get children ready for school, so it is essential for your child to attend on time. Circle Time is 9.10 am, and it is necessary for children to be punctual. When children arrive late, this can disturb the information needed for the daily routine, so please try to attend, as it’s good for the children for their routine, and they may miss out. Circle time is an important part of the morning to discuss the intent of the activities and expectations for the day.

Alyth Kindergarten adheres to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and acts on advice given by the London Borough of Barnet in conjunction with Ofsted.