Absence Procedures for Students

As a Strode College student you have agreed to attend all your lessons. This is important, as absence is likely to lead to:

You performing badly on your course.
Losing your Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) payments/ Adult Learning Grant (ALG) payments.
Learner Support Funds (LSF) being withdrawn from you.
College disciplinary action being taken against you for non-attendance.

Planned absences

If you know you are going to be away please complete a Planned Absence Form (available at the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) Office and Student Support Centre). This is required for absences such as driving tests/hospital appointments/university open days.

Please note: If you take holiday during term time the absence will be unauthorised so you do not need to complete a Planned Absence Form.

Unplanned absences

If you are too ill to come to College or there is an unexpected emergency, you or your parent/guardian must contact the College each day (before 10.00 am) that you are absent. You can either report your absence by emailing ftstudentabsence@strode-college.ac.uk or by using the automated switchboard system for student absences on 01458 844599. When you come back to College you will need to speak to your Personal Tutor about the reasons for your absence. If you are receiving a weekly Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) or an Adult Learning Grant (ALG), this will be withheld unless your illness was for exceptional reasons which have been approved by the Assistant Principal/Head of Teaching Team.

Illness while at College

If you feel ill while at College you should report to your Personal Tutor, your Team Administrator, Reception or the Student Support Centre. First Aid help will be provided if you need it. If you go home and are still ill the next day you or your parent/guardian will have to report your absence by either using the e mail address ftstudentabsence@strode-college.ac.uk or by telephoning the student absence line on 01458 844599.

Lateness

We expect all students to attend lessons on time. However, there may be an odd occasion when you are unavoidably delayed. Your Subject Tutor will mark you LATE on the register and you will be expected to explain your lateness to the Subject Tutor whose class is affected. If you are receiving a weekly Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) or Adult Learning Grant (ALG), a late mark of more than 10 minutes will be counted as an absence. The lateness of more than 10 minutes will need to be authorised by the EMA Office to allow your EMA/ALG payment. Please be aware however there are very few reasons for being late which will be acceptable in authorising payment for EMA or ALG.