Attendance Policy

Legal Status:

• Complies with Part 3, paragraph 17. Education (pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006

Applies to:

• Whole College

To be read with:

• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA)
• Admissions Policy
• Inclusion Policy

Available from:

• College Office and website

Monitoring and Review:

• To be continuously monitored and reviewed by no later than two years from the date shown below.

Signed:                    Date: July 14th 2011

Proprietor and Principal

Attendance Policy

Introduction

• We expect all pupils on roll to attend every day, when the college is in session, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so.
• We do all we can to encourage pupils to attend and to put in place appropriate procedures. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards college. To this end, we strive to make our college a happy and rewarding experience for all.
• The Proprietors are responsible for making sure the college keeps Admission and Attendance registers in accordance with the regulatory requirements. For all pupils of compulsory college age our attendance register records which pupils are present at the start of both the morning and the afternoon sessions of the college day.
• This register also indicates whether an absence was authorised or unauthorised.
• The Proprietors also ensure that a compliant admissions register is kept.
• The college hours are 9.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday.

Definitions

Authorised absence

• An absence is classified as authorised when a pupil has been away from college for a legitimate reason and the college has received notification from a parent/guardian. For example, if a pupil has been unwell, the parent writes a note or telephones the college to explain the absence.
• Only the college can make an absence authorised. Parents do not have this authority.
• Consequently, not all absences supported by parents will be classified as authorised. For example, if a parent takes a pupil out of college to go shopping during college hours, this does not mean it is an authorised absence.

Unauthorised absence

• An absence is classified as unauthorised when a pupil is away from college without the permission of both the college and a parent.
• Therefore, the absence is unauthorised if a pupil is away from college without good reason, even with the support of a parent.

If a pupil is absent

• When a pupil is absent unexpectedly, the class teacher records the absence in the register and informs the college office.
• When the pupil returns to college, a note should be brought from a parent or guardian to explain the absence. This is then placed in the pupil’s file.
• A note or e-mail may be sent to the college prior to the day of absence e.g. if a pupil has a medical appointment.
• If there is any doubt about the whereabouts of a pupil, the class teacher takes immediate action by notifying the college office. The college then contacts the parent or guardian immediately in order to check on the safety of the pupil.

Requests for leave of absence

• We believe that pupils need to be in college for all sessions so that they can make the most progress possible. However, we do understand that there are circumstances under which a parent may legitimately request leave of absence for a pupil to attend e.g. a special event.
• We expect parents/guardians to contact the college at least a week in advance but normally this request is granted.
• We naturally prefer parents/guardians to take their family holiday in the normal college holiday periods but if this is not possible, the college usually grants the leave of absence. However, a letter asking for such an absence should be sent to the Principal.

Long-term Absence

• When a pupil has an illness that means they will be away from college for over five days, the college does all it can to send material to the pupil’s home so that they can keep up with their college work.

Repeated Unauthorised Absences

• The college contacts the parent/guardian of any pupil who has an unauthorised absence.
• If a pupil has a repeated number of unauthorised absences, the parents are asked to visit the college and discuss the problem.

Monitoring and Review

• It is the responsibility of the Principal to monitor overall attendance and to ensure that the figures are consistently high.
• The college keeps accurate attendance records on file for a minimum period of five years.
• Class teachers are responsible for monitoring attendance in their class and for following up absences in the appropriate way.
• Any ongoing absences, ‘Lates’ or unauthorised absences for holidays are to be discussed regularly at staff meetings and followed up as quickly as possible.
• If there is concern about a pupil’s absence, class teachers are to contact the college office immediately. If there is a longer-term general worry about the attendance of a particular pupil, the Principal contacts the parents/guardians.