Changes to the length of the school day effective from September
You may be aware that the DfE have stated that by September 2023 at the latest, all state-funded, mainstream schools will be expected to provide a compulsory school week of at least 32.5 hours. The 32.5-hour minimum expectation includes the time in each day from the official start of the school day (i.e. morning registration) to the official end to the compulsory school day (i.e. official home time). The 32.5 hour minimum includes breaks and lunch times as well as teaching time and any extra-curricular activities that all pupils are expected to attend. It does not include optional before or after school provision.
As you know, we register children at 9:00am which means our compulsory school week currently equates to 31.25 hours. In order to meet DfE requirements, we will therefore need to change the timing of our school day. From September, children will be allowed into school at 8:35am and registration will take place at 8:45am. This means your child will be marked as late from 8:45am, the official start of the school day. As part of our safeguarding measures, school gates will be locked again at 8:45am. The school day will end at 3:15pm and teachers will continue to dismiss children at this time. Families with siblings should always collect the youngest child first. Kingfishers will continue to collect and escort children at the beginning and end of the school day in line with these new timings.
I appreciate that family arrangements are complex, and it can be challenging to work to tight timescales. However, I hope that by providing plenty of notice, you will have chance to make any changes necessary to facilitate this earlier start.
Thank you for your support.
