Attendance at South Dartmoor
Parents are asked to help us to continue to improve attendance rates. Every day is of value, whether a normal timetable, an Impact Day, an Enrichment Activity or Work Experience. Full attendance is our expectation whatever the day with a personal minimum target for each student of 93% - the current national average.
We will report to parents 3 times a year with absence percentages and follow up any figures that suggest cause for concern in Academic and other tutorials - see Attendance Flowchart below...
Computer generated data is used to assist attendance monitoring.
Regular extended registrations and tutorials are used to ensure personal attendance targets are being met.
Every absence must be supported by a parental explanation. This will be “authorised” by us if the reason is acceptable i.e. illness, medical appointment, emergency, religious observance or business that could not take place at any other time (e.g. music examination).
Holidays in Term Time
Parents are asked to avoid arranging holidays in term time. In exceptional circumstances holidays in term time may be authorised however permission must be obtained in advance of booking the holiday so as to avoid disappointment. We will not authorise any holidays during exam periods and would ask parents to avoid making any requests for absence during Year 10 and 11.
Reporting Absence
Attendance is checked on a daily basis. If a student is absent without a given reason the college uses an automated service to inform the parents. If you know that your child is going to be absent it is therefore helpful to inform us in advance. You can do this in 3 ways
- Send a note in the student planner
- Call the college 01364 652230, select the option to report an absence and leave a message
- Call the college 01364 652230, select the option to report an absence and speak to Sherrall Baker our attendance coordinator
ABSENCE NOTES should be brought in on the day of return in the form of a parental record in the Student Planner.
Where there are concerns
If a students absence falls below 90% the college will be seeking ways to support an improvement. Sherrall Baker (Attendance Coordinator) meets Performance Leaders weekly to discuss attendance issues.
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Stage 1 PERSONAL TUTORIAL
The tutor discusses reasons for absence with the student and suggests strategies for improvement.
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Stage 2 Attendance Coordinator involvement
Parents will be informed by letter. A response is requested from home.
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Stage 3 Parental interview
Parents are invited to meet the Attendance Coordinator or Performance Leader to discuss the problem.
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Stage 4 Educational Welfare Officer (EWO)
The EWO makes contact by official letter, telephone or home visit.
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Stage 5 Legal Sanctions
The EWO exercises the LEA’s obligation to enforce legal sanctions.
We hope that most parents will work with the college to ensure good attendance. If you have any worries or concerns please contact us as soon as possible.
Finally it is vital that the performance team know of anything that may effect a students attendance (eg bereavement, changes in home circumstances, friendship issues).
