Attendance Policy

Overview

Policy Statement

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC is committed to promoting positive attendance, engagement and participation for all young people accessing the provision. We recognise that many learners may have previously experienced barriers to education, including anxiety, trauma, SEMH needs, autism, EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance), negative educational experiences or social difficulties.

Our approach to attendance is therefore supportive, relational and trauma-informed, while maintaining clear safeguarding procedures and expectations regarding attendance, punctuality and welfare.

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC recognises that attendance is closely linked to safeguarding, emotional wellbeing, progress, employability and positive long-term outcomes.

  1. Purpose

This policy aims to:

  • Promote positive attendance and engagement.
  • Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young people.
  • Outline procedures for recording attendance and responding to absence.
  • Support young people experiencing barriers to attendance.
  • Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed where concerns arise.
  • Clarify responsibilities for staff, learners, parents/carers and commissioners.
  1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All young people accessing Beyond Barriers CIC
  • Staff
  • Volunteers
  • Parents/carers
  • Commissioners and partner agencies

This includes:

  • On-site provision
  • Community-based learning
  • Educational visits
  • Work experience placements
  • Supported internships
  • Online sessions where applicable
  1. Attendance Expectations

Young people are expected to:

  • Attend agreed sessions and activities.
  • Arrive on time where possible.
  • Engage positively with their programme and support.
  • Communicate difficulties affecting attendance where appropriate.

Beyond Barriers CIC understands that some young people may initially struggle with attendance due to anxiety, SEMH needs or previous experiences. Supportive reintegration and gradual engagement approaches may therefore be implemented where appropriate.

  1. Recording Attendance

Attendance registers are completed for all sessions and activities.

Attendance records include:

  • Present
  • Authorised absence
  • Unauthorised absence
  • Late arrival
  • Medical appointments
  • Work placement attendance
  • Online engagement where applicable

Attendance information is stored securely and shared with commissioners and parents/carers where required.

  1. Reporting Absence

Parents/carers, learners or professionals should notify Beyond Barriers CIC as soon as possible if a young person is unable to attend.

Reasons for absence may include:

  • Illness
  • Medical appointments
  • Mental health difficulties
  • Family emergencies
  • Agreed authorised absence

Where possible, evidence may be requested for prolonged or repeated absences.

  1. Non-Attendance Procedures

Beyond Barriers CIC recognises that unexplained absence may present a safeguarding concern.

If a young person fails to attend or fails to arrive at provision:

Step 1 – Initial Contact

  • Staff will attempt to contact the young person and/or parent/carer promptly, normally within 30 minutes of the expected arrival time.
  • Attendance concerns will be recorded.

Step 2 – Follow-Up Actions

If contact cannot be made:

  • Additional contact attempts will be made.
  • Emergency contacts may be contacted where appropriate.
  • Commissioners/referring organisations may be informed.
  • Welfare concerns will be considered.

Step 3 – Safeguarding Response

Where there are safeguarding concerns regarding a young person’s whereabouts, safety or wellbeing:

  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will be informed immediately.
  • Appropriate safeguarding procedures will be followed.
  • Referrals to external agencies may be made where necessary, including social care or police welfare checks.
  1. Persistent Non-Attendance

Where attendance concerns become ongoing:

  • Attendance patterns will be reviewed.
  • Barriers to attendance will be explored with the young person, family and professionals.
  • Additional support strategies may be implemented.
  • Reintegration or reduced timetables may be considered temporarily where appropriate.
  • Review meetings may be arranged with commissioners and families.

The provision aims to work collaboratively and proactively to improve attendance rather than adopting punitive approaches.

  1. Punctuality

Young people are encouraged to arrive on time for sessions and placements.

Staff recognise that anxiety and other barriers may affect punctuality and will work supportively with learners to develop routines, confidence and independence skills.

Persistent lateness may be discussed during reviews and support planning.

  1. Work Experience & Community Placements

Attendance expectations also apply to:

  • Supported internships
  • Volunteer placements
  • Work experience
  • Community activities

Job coaches and staff will:

  • Monitor attendance and engagement
  • Liaise with employers and placement providers
  • Support learners experiencing difficulties
  • Ensure safeguarding arrangements remain effective
  1. Safeguarding

Attendance concerns are monitored as part of safeguarding responsibilities.

Staff remain alert to:

  • Missing episodes
  • Disengagement
  • Exploitation risks
  • Mental health concerns
  • Changes in presentation or behaviour

Attendance information may be shared with safeguarding agencies where necessary to protect the welfare of a young person.

  1. Roles & Responsibilities

Staff Responsibilities

Staff are responsible for:

  • Recording attendance accurately
  • Following up absence promptly
  • Reporting safeguarding concerns
  • Supporting positive engagement
  • Communicating with families and professionals

Young Person Responsibilities

Young people are encouraged to:

  • Attend agreed sessions
  • Communicate concerns
  • Engage positively with support

Parent/Carer Responsibilities

Parents/carers are expected to:

  • Inform the provision of absence
  • Support attendance and engagement
  • Maintain communication regarding welfare concerns
  1. Monitoring & Review

Attendance data is monitored regularly to:

  • Identify patterns or concerns
  • Inform support strategies
  • Promote safeguarding and wellbeing
  • Improve learner outcomes

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where:

  • Legislation changes
  • Guidance changes
  • Operational needs require updates

Related Policies

  • Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
  • Behaviour & SEMH Policy
  • Health & Safety Policy
  • Missing Learner Procedures
  • Risk Assessment Policy

Policy Information

Policy Owner: Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC Directors
Approved By: Rebecca Cox & Sarah Harris
Review Frequency: Annually
Date Approved:  June 2026
Review Date: June 2027