Attendance and Missing Persons Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how we monitor pupil attendance, respond to absences, and take appropriate action when a child or young person is missing from education or cannot be contacted. It ensures compliance with safeguarding legislation and Local Authority expectations for Alternative Provision.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all pupils aged 3–25 receiving education or tuition from our organisation, whether commissioned by a Local Authority, school, social worker, parent or through an EOTAS package.

3. Principles

We are committed to:

• Maintaining accurate attendance records.

• Identifying patterns of non-engagement early.

• Responding immediately to any safeguarding concerns arising from absence.

• Working in partnership with families and Local Authorities to maintain educational continuity.

4. Recording Attendance

• Tutors record attendance at the start and end of every session.

• The central office updates attendance records daily.

• Reasons for absence are categorised as authorised or unauthorised in line with DfE guidance.

5. Reporting Absence

5.1 Parent/Carer Responsibility

Parents/carers must notify us before the session if their child is unable to attend, stating the reason.

5.2 School or Local Authority Notification

Where provision is commissioned by an LA or school, they are notified of any:

• Unexplained absence

• Patterns of poor attendance

• Safeguarding concerns arising from attendance issues

6. Unauthorised / Unexplained Absence Procedure

If a pupil fails to attend a scheduled session without prior notice:

Step 1 – Tutor Attempt

• Tutor attempts contact (call/text) within 10 minutes of non-arrival.

Step 2 – Office Follow-Up

• If no response after 20 minutes, the central team contacts:

  • Parent/carer

  • Referring professional (if LA/school/social worker case)

Step 3 – Escalation

• If still no contact after 45 minutes, the case is escalated to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Step 4 – Missing Pupils Protocol

• DSL risk-assesses the situation and may:

  • Notify the Local Authority

  • Request a welfare check via social care

  • Contact police if there is reason to believe the pupil may be at risk of harm

• Decisions are documented and shared with relevant professionals.

7. Persistent Absence

A pupil is considered persistently absent if attendance drops below 90%, and severely absent if below 50%.

Where attendance falls below agreed levels:

1. A parent/carer discussion is arranged.

2. Barriers to engagement are identified.

3. A support plan may be created.

4. The referring body is informed.

8. Withdrawal Criteria Due to Attendance

A pupil may be withdrawn from our provision if:

• Attendance falls below 30–40% without acceptable reasons

• Sessions are cancelled for a full term

• The pupil repeatedly does not attend scheduled sessions and engagement cannot be secured

  Withdrawal will be discussed with the parent/carer and referring body before any decision is finalised.

9. Children Missing Education (CME)

If a pupil is believed to be missing from education entirely:

• The case is escalated to the DSL immediately

• LA CME protocols are followed

• All attempts to contact the family are documented

• The LA may be asked to conduct welfare checks

• Police may be contacted where there is immediate safeguarding risk

10. Safeguarding Integration

Absence is treated as a safeguarding concern where:

• There is a known risk to the pupil

• Absence is unusual or out of character

• Contact cannot be established with the family

  The DSL maintains oversight of all attendance-related concerns.

11. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if statutory attendance or safeguarding guidance changes.