Attendance

Vision

Kemnal Technology College is committed to providing a full and efficient education to all pupils, and embraces the concept of equal opportunities for all. We will endeavour to provide an environment where all pupils feel valued and welcome.

For a child to reach their full educational achievement a high level of school attendance is essential. We will consistently work towards a goal of 100% attendance for all children.

Every opportunity will be used to convey to pupils and their parents or carers the importance of regular and punctual attendance. School attendance is subject to various Education laws and this school attendance policy is written to reflect these laws and the guidance produced by the Department for Education and Skills.

Objectives

• To ensure that all students and Parents/Carers are aware of the importance of good attendance.
• To implement effective strategies in improving attendance in college.
• To minimise the negative impact of non-attendance on teaching and learning.
• To minimise absence levels.
• To minimise unauthorised absence.

Attendance Policy

Our Expectations of Parents/Carers

In line with government guidelines, we expect parents and carers to:

• Ensure your child attends every day the school is open except when a statutory reason applies.
• Notify us as soon as possible when your child has to be unexpectedly absent (e.g.: sickness).
• Only request leave of absence in exceptional circumstances and do so in advance.
• Book any medical appointments around the school day where possible.

Absence Procedures

The school day starts at 8:40 am and ends at 3:15 pm (Mon, Wed, Thur + Fri) and 2:55 pm (Tues). Students should arrive no later than 8:30 am to give them enough time to get to Form for 8:40 am.

If Your Child is Absent You Must:

Contact us before 8:30 am on the first day of absence and every further day of absence until they return by phoning our absent line number 02083007112 or via the free communication app Arbor. More information on the Arbor app can be found here.

The Law – Education Act 1996

Under Section 7, parents are responsible for making sure that their children of compulsory school age receive efficient and suitable full-time education.

Under Section 444, parents who fail to ensure their children receive efficient and suitable full-time education, are guilty of an offence.

Such offences are dealt with by means of court appearances or incremental fines, per parent/carer and per child, and in aggravated circumstances, a prison sentence could be served.