April 2023
The Ponds School attendance procedures
Student attendance is a complex issue with many variables. Through research it is evident that significant uplift is possible if we pay attention to the following five elements; Quality Systems and Practices, Data Systems, Intervention, Communication and High Expectations.
The Ponds School attendance team will ensure that the following procedures are in place for students, families and staff at The Ponds School.
Quality Systems and Practices
· The attendance team meets three times per term
· Completion of the attendance self-assessment tool in Scout
· Document attendance procedures, in line with attendance policy
· All teachers to complete the e-learning module on supporting student attendance
Data Systems
· Scout and Sentral to be used as data sources
· Data will be reviewed three times each term, in alignment with the attendance meeting dates
Intervention
· Tier 1 – Students with declining attendance flagged in Sentral as students of concern, students with attendance of below 80% receive a letter regarding poor attendance.
· Tier 2 – Identified students will have a individual attendance plan written and parents /carers will be asked to attend a meeting week 5 each term. Individual Students attendance will be monitored, evaluated and celebrated.
· Tier 3 – Students referred to the Home School Liaison Officer when the procedures of tier 2 have been exhausted and there has been no improvement in attendance
Communication
· Staff to inform Principal when a student is absent for three or more consecutive days and the parent has not informed the school as to why
· Our induction program for casual teachers will include information regarding attendance
· Information and reminders regarding student attendance will be communicated in staff meetings and the minutes of staff meetings will be posted on Sentral
· Information regarding student attendance will be communicated to the school community via Newsletters, Facebook and Sentral Broadcasts
· Communication with families of students with attendance of concern will be through the classroom teacher, Learning and Wellbeing meetings and/or Transition meetings.
High Expectations
· Celebrate excellence and improved attendance as part of our PBL and Amazing Achiever Assemblies Thursday week 10 of each term
· Certificates and letters for students and parents/carers who have over 90% attendance and no unexplained or unjustified absences
· Certificates for students whose attendance has improved from the previous term