News
Headteacher's Message – 30/01/26
Changes to School Timings
A reminder that the school timings are set to change after half term, effective from Monday 23rd February 2026, Spring Term 2.
Benhall Infant School:
- Start: 8:40am
- Finish: 3:10pm
St Mark’s:
- Start: 8:45am*
- Finish: 3:15pm
*St Mark’s will continue with our ‘soft start’ to the school day, with children welcomed in from 8.35am.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we implement these changes and thank you for working with us to ensure the best possible experience for our children and families.
Attendance
I am aware of an increasing number of absence request forms being submitted for family holidays. Please be reminded that every lesson is a crucial part of your child's learning journey, and frequent absences can hinder their progress. We must follow the DFE’s statutory attendance guidance and cannot authorise holiday requests. Absences can be authorised in ‘exceptional circumstances’.
Please be aware that you can be given a Penalty Notice for periods of unauthorised holidays if a pupil has 10 or more unauthorised absences (equivalent to 5 school days),
School Punctuality
Please be reminded that children should arrive at their classroom between 8:35am and 8:50am. Lessons start promptly at 8:50am and any child arriving after this time will miss valuable learning time.
Should your child arrive late, they must enter the building via Reception and report to the school office as a late arrival. They will be required to provide their name, class and the reason for their lateness.
Remember: every school day counts. When children attend regularly, they build stronger friendships, develop greater confidence, and make the best possible progress in their learning. Thank you for your continued support in helping your children be here, on time, every day—together, we’re giving them the strongest foundation to grow and flourish.
With my best wishes for a lovely weekend.
Mrs A Fitch and the Staff Team