Late to Class Policy

Our aim

At Inverurie Academy, we want every young person to arrive at lessons on time, ready to learn and able to make the most of their learning time.

We understand that there may occasionally be genuine reasons why a young person is late. Our approach is therefore designed to be consistent, supportive and proportionate, while also helping students develop the routines and habits they need for success.

If your child is late to class

1. A warm welcome

When a student arrives late, staff will welcome them into the lesson and help them settle quickly.

Where appropriate, the teacher may have a quiet conversation with the student to establish why they were late and reinforce the expectation of arriving on time.

2. Support where lateness becomes a pattern

If a student is regularly late, the school will look at the pattern of lateness and consider what support may be helpful.

This may include:

• a conversation with the student;

• support from their Class Teacher or Year Head;

• setting a specific target to improve punctuality;

• monitoring punctuality over an agreed period;

• communication with parents/carers;

• meeting with parents/carers where appropriate.

Our focus will be on understanding the reason for the lateness and helping the young person improve.

3. Continued or repeated lateness

Where lateness continues despite support, the school may use appropriate consequences in line with our school expectations. These could include a detention, a meeting with parents/carers or, where necessary, other appropriate school interventions.

Parents/carers will be kept informed where there is a persistent pattern of lateness.

What parents/carers can do

Parents and carers can support punctuality by helping young people to:

• leave home with enough time to arrive at school promptly;

• understand the importance of moving directly to their next lesson;

• develop routines that support good punctuality;

• talk to the school if there is an underlying issue affecting their ability to arrive on time.

If there is a particular reason why your child is regularly struggling to get to lessons on time, please speak to the school. We would much rather understand the circumstances and work with you to find a solution.

A positive approach to punctuality

We also recognise and celebrate good punctuality and improvement. Staff are encouraged to notice positive changes and reinforce the behaviours that help young people be successful.

Our expectation is simple:

Arrive on time. Be ready to learn. Make the most of every lesson.