Cheam Common Junior Academy 35

Absence & Attendance

Attending school regularly is important for every child. By attending, every child makes academic progress by building their knowledge, understanding and skills. Being present each day enables children to feel the sense of belonging by to the school community. 

We know that illness is unavoidable and to be expected but knowing whether pupils are going to be absent from school and the reasons for any absences is an important safeguarding issue for the school. It is therefore, vitally important that if your child is not going to be in school that you complete the Absence Form by 8:30am. 

Cheam Common Junior Absence Form 

If you are unable to access the form please either call the school or email the office. 

Alternatively, you can now report same-day absences for your children directly through the Parent Portal or Arbor App.

To do this:

Go to the Attendance section.

Click "log absence" and fill in the details.  You can adjust start and end times for partial-day absences.

After submission, school staff will review and either approve or reject the request. Approved absences will appear in your Attendance tab.

Important Things to Remember

  • This new feature is only for same-day absences. For any longer or future absences, please keep using the same-day absence Google Form.

  • If you need to change an absence request that hasn't been approved yet, you'll have to delete it and create a new one since you can't edit it.

  • Once an absence is approved, you can't delete it through the app. If you need to make any changes after approval, please get in touch with the school directly.

This new reporting method will be used alongside our existing reporting procedures.

We kindly request that you schedule dental, hospital, or other appointments during school holidays or after school hours whenever possible.

Please note that if your child is unwell for 5 or more days, medical evidence may be requested.


Special Leave Request

If you feel you have exceptional circumstances for a leave of absence during term time, please email the School Office to request an Exceptional Absence Form.  Once you have completed this, each circumstance is considered and you will be notified of the outcome via email. 

Penalty Notices Sutton

Penalty notices are fines imposed on parents. They are an alternative to the prosecution of parents for failing to ensure that their child of compulsory school age regularly attends the school where they are registered or at a place where alternative provision is provided. Penalty notices can be used where the pupil’s absence has not been authorised by the school.  Please refer to the attendance policy for further information regarding Penalty Notices.


Attendance