Richmond School
Policy | Policy List | Sixth Form Attendance Policy
SIXTH FORM ATTENDANCE POLICY
SUMMARY
• Students are expected to be in school for all their timetabled commitments
• Absence known about in advance must be mentioned to the tutor and appropriate evidence produced
• Unavoidable absence must be explained to the tutor as soon as possible – a telephone call on the day would be most immediate – a letter on return would also be appropriate
• It is the tutee’s responsibility to make sure they are registered as present and that any absence, which may be deemed authorised, is backed up by the appropriate evidence
• Students are expected to achieve at least an 80% attendance record.
INTRODUCTION - ATTENDANCE (1)
How will this attendance information be collected?
By registration in the first instance. It is assumed that all lessons are attended, unless the tutor receives a ‘pink slip’ denoting absence. Please note that it is the tutee’s responsibility to make sure they are registered – this is particularly important if a member of staff other than the tutor marks the register. Students can be marked in late, but only by a member of staff – usually Mrs Wilhelmy is available to do this in Upper Reception.
ABSENCES (2)
• Absences will be considered to be unauthorised unless there is a valid reason otherwise. In other words, where there is an absence and the student wishes to claim this as authorised, it is up to the student to notify the school in line with this policy.
• If the reason for absence could have been foreseen, then the student should have applied in advance for authorised absence with their tutor. So, for example, it might be acceptable for a student to attend an Open Day if this was applied for in advance; but it would not be acceptable to miss classes without prior notification and then to claim that the absence should be authorised.
• Where the claimed reason for absence could not reasonably have been foreseen, the school will consider whether the absence was really unavoidable. An absence, which could not have been notified in advance, should be notified to the school on the day in question; unless, exceptionally, there is a good reason why this could not be done. In this circumstance the tutor needs to contacted as soon as possible, preferably at the next tutor session
• a) Absences which can be foreseen in advance. Absences will only be authorised in advance if the reason given for the absence is a good one. The following are examples of reasons for absence, which would usually be considered to be acceptable:
o a medical or dental appointment which cannot be arranged outside school or college hours.
o to look after a family member or another person for whom the student has caring responsibilities.
o a religious holiday.
o a visit to a University either to attend an open day or for interview (up to a maximum of 4 per year)
o a career related interview
o an appointment with a Connexions Advisor (although these should normally be scheduled to avoid disruption to studies)
o a work experience placement which is an integral part of a course, and for which the student does not receive a wage
o participation in a significant extra-curricular activity, such as drama, music, sport or volunteering. Authorised absence will only be granted where the activity reflects a significant level of personal achievement (for example, taking part in a regional or national event), or for some other one-off event. Authorised absences for this reason will be granted sparingly; where a pattern of frequent participation in such activities is proposed, solutions will be explored personally with the student
o attendance at a probation meeting
o attendance at a funeral
o severe disruption to a student’s mode of transport (e.g. a bus breakdown)
o a driving test
o a school representatives’ meeting (e.g. Governors’ meeting).
o Moving house (1 day)
o Evidence of court attendance
o Family bereavement
o Wedding of immediate family member
o Educational visits approved by the school or college.
o Day and residential visits to outdoor centres.
o Department study days.
o Study leave
o Year 13 Home Study, where this has been approved by Parents/Guardians.
This list is not intended to be exhaustive, and the school will take account of: the inherent reasonableness of any case; the number of absences taken by any one individual; repetitions of the same excuse; and whether the excuse is backed up with evidence.
The following reasons for absence would not generally be acceptable:
o A student is absent from a session if they have not obtained authorisation for absence.
o A holiday taken during term-time
o A social event taken during term-time
o part or full-time work which is not part of the student’s programme of study
o leisure activities
o birthdays or similar celebrations
o baby-sitting younger siblings
o shopping
o driving lessons that interrupt attendance at any timetabled commitment
o Lateness (after 9.30am and 2.20pm)
o Routine medical or dental appointments.
o Missing lessons to complete coursework / homework.
This list is not intended to be exhaustive
b) Absences which cannot be foreseen in advance
• Where an absence genuinely could not be foreseen in advance, the student should make arrangements to tell the school as soon as possible on the day in question that they will be missing classes. Where a student has failed to do this, the absence will be treated as unauthorised (and therefore a student eligible to receive an EMA payment will not do so for the week in question.) The only exception to the principle above is where the student can supply a strong reason why they failed to contact the school that day. This might be because an event has been particularly disturbing or unpleasant, or because there has been a genuine practical barrier.
The following are examples of reasons for absence, which would tend to be acceptable, providing that the school has been notified on the day:
• An emergency situation involving a family member or another person for whom the student has caring responsibilities. Sudden severe illness would be an example. However, while such cases will be treated sympathetically on a one-off-basis, they will not be acceptable as regular grounds for authorising absence.
• Transport problems, where these were not known about in advance, and where there is no alternative means to hand. Students who do not have a relevant disability would be expected to walk if they lived within 3 miles of the school, and, in this instance, lateness would be acceptable.
Sickness Absence
• Students’ Parents or Guardians must certify a short illness with a letter or telephone call, up to a maximum of 10 days per year. Beyond this, a medical certificate will be required.
• Students’ Parents or Guardians should endeavour to report illnesses to the tutor on the day, or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Isolated periods of genuine sickness should not preclude payment of EMA to eligible students, but it will not be paid if student is away for a full week. If a student is off long-term but has made arrangements to study from home, then payment may be made.
The school is entitled to turn down applications for authorised sickness absence if we have reason to doubt the validity. Clearly, an emerging pattern of non-attendance due to sickness without explanation would be unacceptable.
← Return to Listing - ↑ Top of Page