Attendance policy

Aim:

To establish, encourage and maintain maximum attendance at Plumstead Manor School.

Principles:

• a commitment to good practice which encourages students to demonstrate a positive attitude to attendance and punctuality.
• to effectively implement the school system for accurate recording and monitoring of attendance and punctuality.
• early identification of patterns and causes of poor attendance and subsequent action.
• promote a positive ethos around good attendance and punctuality.
• promote a welcoming atmosphere where students feel valued.
• create a bright and attractive environment.
• provide a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
• develop a positive partnership with parents to encourage good attendance and punctuality.
• praise/reward good/improved attendance.

Practice:

Standard operating procedures are in place for:

• monitoring of attendance and punctuality by BROMCOM and administrator
• early identification of truancy
• efficient and accurate register completion
• immediate and ongoing contact with parent/carer
• late detentions: attendance/punctuality cards: reports
• self evaluation by student through diary
• target setting around issues of attendance/punctuality/truancy
• reporting attendance figures to the Borough
• school to liaise with Borough and independently funded initiatives to support individual students e.g. Youth Aid, Trinity project.
• student mentoring
• celebration of good attendance and punctuality
• systems of praise, reward, commendation
• supporting individual students on their re-integration into school

In addition:

• a senior member of staff (Pastoral) will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring procedures and practices related to attendance and punctuality.
• the Headteacher will monitor attendance figures.
  • agree attendance targets at school and borough level.
  • ensure that an appropriate policy and practice are in place.
  • report issues of concern to governors.
• the Governing body will:
  • regularly review the school's attendance policy.
  • review attendance targets
  • monitor the school's practice.

There will also be:

• clarification of the role of tutor/subject teacher/COY/HOD/SMT/BROMCOM ADMIN/ Support Staff.
• regular meetings of Attendance Group (A.H./BROMCOM Admin/Learning mentor) to review/update/monitor procedures, practice and effectiveness and report to SMT/COYs/ Staff.
• regular meeting between school, Learning Mentor, social services, home, outside agencies.
• regular INSET/Support for staff on procedures and practices.
• meetings and clarification of the role of ESW/Attendance Learning Mentor.

Updated: October 2, 2008