…learning through play
Attendance Policy
While attendance in early years settings is not statutory, I encourage regular attendance to ensure children gain the most benefit from their time here. If a child was expected and not brought by parents, I must consider that the absence may be linked to safeguarding reasons – for example, a parent has had an accident or died at home, or a child has an injury which parents are hiding from me. The requirement to monitor children’s attendance is also linked to female genital mutilation (FGM) and the Prevent Duty.
Absences will be followed up in quickly – this includes if a child is absent for a prolonged period of time and / or if a child is absent without notification from parents. If a child is absent, I will make every effort to contact their parents or emergency contacts. I aim to hold up to 2 emergency contacts for the child in addition to parents to help me comply with this requirement. However, if parents cannot provide 2 additional emergency contacts, I will record that I will contact children’s social care in an emergency.
When making a decision about when to decide if an absence is prolonged, I am required to consider patterns and trends in the child’s absences, the child’s personal circumstances, the child’s vulnerability and parent or carer’s vulnerability and home life. If I am concerned about a child’s absence and parents / carers or the child’s emergency contacts are not available, I will follow our Safeguarding Procedures and speak to local children’s social care services and / or the police to request a welfare check.
Contact details
Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) – 033 022 26450
Out of hours in an emergency – 033 022 26664
Note – if the child’s family live out of area, I will also record the contact details for their social care services.
If you have any concerns regarding this policy please discuss them with me.
SR Stacey Roberts Childminder / Childminding Shoreham-by-Sea 