Late-arrival pattern review checklist
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 7 October 2026
- Reviewed
- 7 October 2026
- Who this checklist is for
- Attendance leads, school leaders and designated staff in maintained and academy primary and secondary schools in England. Use for individual pupil and cohort reviews, taking account of the school's published register-opening period and relevant circumstances.
- Jurisdiction
- england
10 checklist steps
Blank response areas · preview only
Confirm the review scope
Response required
Record the review period, the pupils or cohort included, and whether the review concerns individual pupils, a cohort, or both.
Review period, pupils or cohort, and scope
Check the published register-opening period
Check the school's attendance policy for the published register-opening period and use that period when interpreting late-arrival records.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Identify recorded late arrivals
Review the relevant register records and identify late arrivals within the review scope, distinguishing arrivals recorded before and after the register closed where the records allow.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Record the pattern identified
Response required
Describe the pattern or patterns identified, including any recurring pupil, date, day, session, time, class, year-group or other relevant pattern supported by the records.
Pattern identified and records reviewed
Consider individual and cohort circumstances
Consider relevant individual pupil and cohort circumstances before deciding whether further contact or action is appropriate.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check whether an explanation was sought
For each relevant late-arrival pattern, check the records for evidence that an explanation was sought from the parent.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Record the explanation status
Record whether an explanation was received, whether no explanation was established, or whether the available records do not show that an explanation was sought.
Choose one
- Explanation received
- No explanation established
- Records do not show that an explanation was sought
- Status varies within the review
Assess the need for proportionate follow-up
Decide whether follow-up is needed, taking account of the identified pattern, explanation, individual or cohort circumstances, and the school's attendance procedures.
Choose one
- No further follow-up identified
- Routine follow-up identified
- Targeted follow-up identified
- Further escalation under school procedures identified
Plan action to discourage repeated lateness
Response required
Where repeated lateness or a late-arrival pattern is identified, record the proportionate action to be taken to discourage repetition, including who will take it and any planned review point.
Action, responsible person or role, and planned review point
Record the review outcome
Response required
Record the evidence considered, decisions made, follow-up arranged, and any information that must be revisited in a subsequent review.
Review outcome and recorded actions