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Attendance and Punctuality Policy

1. Rationale

At The Independent School of Jakarta (ISJ), we believe that regular attendance and punctuality are essential to pupils' academic progress, wellbeing, and personal development. High levels of attendance and punctuality support continuity of learning, the development of positive routines, and a strong sense of belonging within the school community.

ISJ is committed to working in partnership with parents and carers to promote excellent attendance and to address any barriers that may prevent pupils from attending school regularly or arriving on time.

2. Aims of the Policy

This policy aims to:

  • Promote a culture of high attendance and punctuality across the school
  • Ensure clear expectations and procedures are understood by pupils, parents, and staff
  • Monitor attendance effectively and identify patterns of concern early
  • Provide appropriate support where attendance or punctuality is a concern
  • Fulfil safeguarding responsibilities by knowing the whereabouts of all pupils during the school day

Attendance is a key safeguarding indicator. Persistent absence or poor punctuality may be a sign of wider welfare or wellbeing concerns. ISJ takes its duty of care seriously and will follow up unexplained or concerning patterns of absence promptly.

4. Expectations

Pupils

  • Attend school every day unless genuinely unwell or absent for an authorised reason
  • Arrive at school on time and ready to learn
  • Engage positively in learning and school routines

Parents and Carers

  • Ensure their child attends school regularly and punctually
  • Inform the school promptly of any absence, ideally before the start of the school day
  • Avoid taking holidays during term time
  • Work collaboratively with the school if attendance concerns arise

School

  • Create a welcoming, safe, and engaging learning environment
  • Monitor attendance and punctuality daily
  • Communicate clearly with parents regarding concerns
  • Provide support and intervention when needed

5. Attendance Procedures

Daily Registration

  • Morning registration is taken at the start of the school day
  • Afternoon registration is taken in line with school procedures
  • Attendance data is recorded electronically

Reporting Absence

  • Parents must inform the school on the first day of absence by email or telephone
  • Reasons for absence must be clearly stated
  • If no communication is received, the school will contact parents to ensure the child's safety

Authorised Absence

Authorised absences may include:

  • Illness or medical appointments
  • Religious observance
  • Compassionate or exceptional family circumstances (at the discretion of the Academic Director)

Unauthorised Absence

Unauthorised absences may include:

  • Holidays taken during term time
  • Unexplained absences
  • Avoidable appointments during school hours without prior approval

6. Punctuality

School Day

  • Pupils are expected to arrive before the published start time of the school day
  • Late arrival disrupts learning and impacts both the individual pupil and the wider class

Late Arrival Procedures

  • Pupils arriving after registration must be signed in at the reception desk
  • Reasons for lateness will be recorded
  • Persistent lateness will be monitored and followed up with parents

7. Monitoring and Intervention

ISJ monitors attendance and punctuality regularly to identify patterns or concerns.

Early Intervention

  • Informal communication with parents; a generic email is sent
  • Monitoring over a set period
  • Supportive strategies agreed with families

Ongoing Concerns

Where attendance or punctuality does not improve, the school may:

  • Arrange meetings with parents and relevant staff
  • Develop an attendance support plan
  • Involve pastoral, wellbeing, or safeguarding teams as appropriate

8. Supporting Good Attendance

ISJ promotes good attendance through:

  • Positive relationships and pastoral care
  • A broad, engaging curriculum
  • Clear communication with families
  • Recognition of good and improved attendance where appropriate

9. Exceptional Circumstances

Requests for absence during term time due to exceptional circumstances must be made in writing to the Academic Director in advance (absence permission form). Approval is at the discretion of the school and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

10. Roles and Responsibilities

Academic Director

  • Overall responsibility for attendance and punctuality
  • Decision-making regarding authorised absences and exceptional circumstances

Senior Leadership Team

  • Monitoring attendance data
  • Leading interventions and support

Teachers

  • Accurate registration
  • Notifying concerns promptly
  • Supporting pupils' engagement and wellbeing

Parents and Carers

  • Ensuring regular attendance and punctuality
  • Communicating openly with the school

11. Review and Monitoring of the Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required, in line with school priorities, safeguarding guidance, and inspection requirements.

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