Why Attendance Matters
Regular attendance to the college programme is essential for students to make the most of their education. By attending regularly, students can achieve their full potential, build strong relationships, and develop good habits for the future. Our college deems 97% as the benchmark for good attendance as it accepts that some level of absence due to illness may be unavoidable but is certainly not inevitable. A copy of the MLP Trust Attendance Policy can be found here: Trust Attendance Policy
Please click here to see the S6C Attendance and Lateness guidance document.
The college programme includes subject lessons, independent study, tutor sessions, clubs and
societies and occasional full day development and progress events.
Students will need to attend all timetabled lessons including tutor. They will need to study outside of lessons and complete at least 4.5 hours of directed independent study per subject, per week to achieve their target grades.
The college day is 9am until 4pm and students should be available during these times. They are
free to leave site during non contact periods, break and lunch, but should use their time wisely.
If attendance or academic concerns arise, the college can remove this privilege and students will need to attend during the hours of 9am and 4pm to catch up where required.
Our Attendance Officer is: Rachel Cooke
Contact details: rcooke@s6c.mlp.college
Reporting an Absence
If your child is going to be absent, please contact the college as soon as possible by emailing office@s6c.mlp.college or calling 01722 597970. The phone is staffed from 8.00am.
Please provide your child’s name, reason for absence and expected return date. You are expected to call in and report absence every day your child is absent. We will be in contact if we have not heard from you.
Authorised vs. Unauthorised Absence
Understanding the difference between authorised and unauthorised absences is important for maintaining good attendance records.
Authorised Absences: These are absences that the college may approve. Examples include:
- Illness: If your child is too sick to attend school.
- Medical/Dental Appointments: If these cannot be scheduled outside college hours.
- Family Emergencies: Such as a bereavement or other significant events.
- Religious Observances: When observance falls on a college day.
To have an absence authorised, please provide details explaining the reason. For medical absences, a doctor’s note may be required for prolonged or frequent absences. Remember an absence may be authorised but it still counts against your child’s attendance record.
Unauthorised Absences: These are absences that the college will not approve. Examples include:
- Unexplained Absences: Not providing a reason for the absence.
- Holidays: Taking vacations during term time.
- Shopping Trips: Going shopping during lesson time.
- Transport difficulties: Your child being absent as they have missed the bus.
- Non-Urgent Appointments: Such as haircuts, beauty treatments, or driving lessons.
- Family events: Day trips, weddings, or visiting relatives.
Unauthorised absences can impact a student’s learning and overall attendance record. If you are unsure whether an absence will be authorised, please contact the Attendance Officer.
Importance of Punctuality
Being on time is equally important. Arriving late can disrupt the class and affect your child’s learning. If your child is late, please ensure they check in at the school office upon arrival.
Support for Attendance Issues
Attendance is split into four categories as shown in the diagram. This information is also displayed in all classrooms and key areas around the college. Students should be aware of their attendance and where they sit on this chart. If students are experiencing any barriers to attendance, then this should be discussed as early as possible with the S6C Attendance Officer, so concerns can be broken down and support put in place.
- Attendance Officer: Rachel Cooke
- Phone: 01722 597970
- Email: rcooke@s6c.mlp.college
We understand that there can be challenges in maintaining regular attendance. Our college is committed to working with parents to address these issues. Here’s how we can help:
- Regular Communication: We will keep you informed about your child’s attendance record and address any concerns promptly.
- Attendance Meetings: We can schedule meetings to discuss any issues affecting your child’s attendance and work together to find solutions.
- Resources and Referrals: We can provide resources or refer you to external support services if needed.
- Personalised Support Plans: For pupils with chronic attendance issues, we can develop a support plan tailored to their specific needs.
Where barriers appear and they are not resolved, a five stage process will be used:
• Below 97%: Chat message sent to student
• Below 95%: Meeting with student and attendance officer
• Below 90%: Attendance meeting with parents, attendance officer and attendance lead from
the senior leadership team
• Ongoing concerns: Attendance Review Meeting
– Formal notice to improve and parental meeting
• No improvement: Attendance Review Meeting
– Formal notice of withdrawal from college
This process complies with the Department for Education mandatory changes to attendance from August 2024.
Let’s work together to ensure every student attends college regularly and on time, ready to learn and succeed!
