1. Introduction

Regular attendance at Turning Point Leeds (TPL) is essential for pupils to achieve their full potential. We are committed to promoting good attendance and punctuality across our provision. A strong working partnership between the host school, home, and TPL is vital to ensuring pupils access the full range of educational opportunities available.

Where attendance or welfare concerns arise, the host school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will be informed immediately. TPL and the host school DSL will work in partnership to resolve, support, and challenge issues appropriately.

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2. Aims

• To promote regular attendance and punctuality among all pupils.

• To ensure pupils and parents/carers understand the importance of consistent attendance.

• To provide clear procedures for monitoring and improving attendance.

• To set out the roles and responsibilities of pupils, parents/carers, and staff in maintaining good attendance.

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3. Attendance Expectations

• Pupils are expected to attend TPL every day they are scheduled and to arrive on time for all sessions.

• Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring their child attends regularly and punctually.

• Staff are responsible for recording and monitoring attendance, identifying concerns, and communicating promptly with families and host schools.

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4. Procedures for Reporting Absence

• Parental responsibility: Parents/carers must notify TPL by 9:00–9:30am on the first day of absence, giving the reason and likely duration.

• Contact details: Absences should be reported by phone (07467 035473) or email (ryan@turningpointleeds.co.uk). TPL will notify the host school.

• Authorised absences: Accepted reasons include illness, medical appointments, religious observances, or exceptional circumstances agreed by the host school.

• Unauthorised absences: Absences without valid reason or prior notification, including unauthorised holidays, will be marked unauthorised by the host school. 

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5. Monitoring Attendance

TPL uses the Collaborative Learning Manager (CLM) to record and share attendance data in real time with host schools.

• Daily: Registers taken electronically at 9:30am and 12:45pm. Parents/carers contacted on the first day of unexplained absence.

• Weekly: Attendance data reviewed for individual pupils and overall trends.

• Termly: Attendance analysed for patterns and progress. Pupils with excellent attendance recognised.

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6. Addressing Attendance Concerns

• Initial concern: If attendance falls below 95%, the host school will contact parents/carers to discuss reasons and offer support.

• Persistent absence: Below 90% attendance is treated as persistent absence. The host school will arrange a meeting with the pupil and parents/carers to create an Attendance Improvement Plan (AIP).

• Continued concerns: If attendance does not improve, the host school may involve external agencies such as the Education Welfare Officer (EWO).

• Legal action: In cases of ongoing unauthorised absence, the host school may initiate legal action under local authority guidelines.

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7. Safeguarding and Attendance

• Regular attendance is a safeguarding priority, enabling staff to monitor welfare closely.

• Persistent or unexplained absences may signal underlying safeguarding concerns.

• The DSL monitors attendance records to identify potential risks and take action in line with safeguarding procedures.

• Support may include referrals (with host school consent) to external agencies, counselling, or other appropriate interventions.

• Staff receive regular safeguarding training to understand how attendance links to child protection.

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8. Punctuality

• Pupils must arrive on time for all sessions.

• Pupils arriving late must ring the doorbell and will be escorted by a member of staff to join the group.

• Persistent lateness will be addressed with parents/carers through meetings and targeted support strategies.

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9. Missing Pupils Procedure

If a pupil goes missing during the school day:

1. Inform the Headteacher/DSL and all available staff immediately.

2. Conduct a thorough search of the site and surrounding area.

3. DSL to contact parents/carers to inform them and gather information.

4. Notify the host school and, if necessary, the police.

5. Record the incident, actions taken, and outcome in detail.

6. Review site security and supervision procedures to prevent recurrence.

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10. Roles and Responsibilities

Pupils

• Attend regularly and on time.

• Inform staff if experiencing difficulties affecting attendance.

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Parents/carers

• Ensure their child attends punctually.

• Notify TPL of absences and provide reasons, which TPL will share with the host school.

• Attend meetings and support improvement plans when necessary.

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Staff

• Record attendance accurately and promptly.

• Monitor attendance and raise concerns early.

• Support pupils and families to improve attendance.

• Implement and review Attendance Improvement Plans.

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Attendance Officer

• Monitor and analyse attendance data.

• Contact parents/carers regarding absences.

• Coordinate interventions with staff and host schools.

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Directors

• Oversee the implementation of the attendance policy.

• Ensure staff are trained and supported in monitoring attendance.

• Review attendance data regularly and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

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11. Rewards and Recognition

• Pupils with excellent or improved attendance will be recognised with communication with parents, and termly celebrations.

• Recognition will emphasise progress as well as high achievement to encourage all pupils.

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12. Review and Evaluation

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practice, and to reflect feedback from pupils, parents/carers, host schools, and staff.

Date: August 2025
Next Review: August 2026