At Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC), we proudly uphold high standards for learners' attendance and punctuality, reflecting the professional environments we are preparing learners to enter following their studies. Consistent attendance and punctuality are crucial for maximising opportunities for success.
- Absence ReportingLearners or parent/guardians are asked to contact our absence monitoring team before 9am of the morning that they will not be attending, mirroring the expectations for the professional workplace environment they are preparing to enter.
Please ensure you are able to provide the learner’s full name, and where possible, their College ID Number which can be found on their college ID badge.
Phone: 01283 365400 or if calling our switchboard on 01283 494400 select option 4
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Where individuals have ongoing medical conditions and/or personal circumstances which are likely to result in absences, these will be supported through reasonable adjustments, however, the College attendance expectations remain.
Where attendance levels fall below expectations due to ongoing medical conditions and/or personal circumstances for prolonged periods, and/or there is a high probability it is likely to result in a failure to achieve some or all of the programme elements, then the College reserves the right to initiate its fitness to study policy.
Alternatively, you can contact your son/ daughter/ ward’s Progress Coach.
- Authorised Absences
The College recognises that from time-to-time, individuals may suffer from illness and/or injuries which mean they are not able to attend timetabled sessions. In these instances, individuals will be marked absent. Our attendance recording and monitoring does not permit the use of authorised and/or approved absences, regardless of circumstance, mirroring the professional workplace environment learners are preparing to enter.
- Appointments and Holidays
We ask that all appointments are made outside of timetabled sessions, but recognise this may not always be possible, and in such cases, evidence may be requested to justify absences and/or lateness. In all instances, these will be recorded as absences, regardless of evidence provided.
The College’s term dates are published annually. Learners and their parent/guardians are strongly advised against learners taking holidays during term time as this is likely to result in significant lost learning and/or assessment opportunities.
- Parent/Guardian Absence NotificationThe College sends notification emails to registered next of kin daily, reporting any formal learning sessions missed during that day for learners aged 18-years old or under. These emails are automated and for information purposes only. If as a parent/guardian you have already notified the College of your son, daughter or wards non-attendance you will still receive this information.
- Religious Holidays and Festivals
The College recognise the significance of religious holidays and festivals respecting learners’ diverse backgrounds fostering an inclusive environment.
Learners are asked to notify their Course Leader and/or Progress Coach of their planned absences due to religious holidays and/or festivals. Those aged 18-years or under will require parental/guardian consent. Parent and guardians will continue to receive automated absence notifications during these events.
In these instances, individuals will be marked absent as our attendance recording and monitoring does not permit the use of authorised and/or approved absence, regardless of circumstance, however these absences will not result in intervention triggers. Learners will be responsible for making up any missed work.
- Interventions
If attendance and/or punctuality consistently falls below the College’s expectation, then staff will notify the individual (where 18-years or under this will include parent/guardian) and initiate a range of appropriate informal and formal interventions.
Where attendance fails to improve following intervention, the College reserves the right to initiate disciplinary and/or fitness to study proceedings.
- Leaving College Unwell
Learners are required to inform a member of staff if they intend to leave the College campus due to ill health. Where possible, we will encourage that learners try and attend any remaining sessions. Where this is not possible, the individual’s designated next of kin will be contacted for those aged 18-years or under to confirm safe and suitable travel arrangements are in place.