An attendance contract is usually issued when a school has concerns about a student’s attendance and has tried other methods to improve it, like early help plans or voluntary support. It’s a formal, written agreement between the school, parent, and potentially the student, outlining a plan to improve attendance.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Formal Agreement: An attendance contract is a written agreement, not a legal contract, but it provides a formal framework for addressing attendance issues.
When it’s used: It’s used when less formal attempts to improve attendance, like discussions or support plans, haven’t been successful.
Purpose: The primary goal is to encourage consistent attendance and provide support to the student and their family. It can also be a step before more formal interventions, such as a fixed penalty notice.
Content: The contract usually outlines specific actions the student and/or parent will take, such as attending a certain number of sessions, providing reasons for absences, and participating in support programs.
Not a punishment: It’s important to understand that the attendance contract is not intended as a punishment, but as a tool to support the student’s education and well-being.