Director's Message - 4th November 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Following on from the Prime Minister's announcement on Saturday that England will begin a new month-long lockdown starting Thursday 5th November with schools, colleges and universities remaining open, please could all schools refer to the new national restrictions guidance.

Please also continue to access our full update on Covid guidance via our FAQs on LEAP. Local Covid Alert information is also available via our Hillingdon Council website.

Ofsted interim visits update

During the national lockdown Ofsted inspectors will work remotely where possible, only going on site where it is necessary to do so, or in response to urgent concerns. Please see guidance published yesterday.

Pupil Registration Code X

It has been reported that some schools might not use the X code for children staying at home due to Covid related reasons that is authorised by the school. This will result in the school's unfavourable attendance rate in comparison with the national average. The DfE Attendance Addendum Guidance stipulates that "pupils not attending a session who meet the criteria for 'not attending in circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19)' should be recorded using code X". Code X will not count against a school's attendance rate.  

Please follow the DfE guidance and use code X when a pupil is absent due to circumstances related to Covid-19.

Unauthorised Absence (not Covid related)

From September 2020, schools should return to using the attendance and absence codes in use before the outbreak (set out on page 9 of the attendance guidance).

Unauthorised absence is where a school is not satisfied with the reasons given for the absence which should be recorded as Code O.

The Participation Team provided a School Attendance Officers Guide in September which includes template letters, flow charts and processes to follow. If you have any queries regarding attendance please contact your Participation Officer.

Remote learning during lockdown

The DfE requirements remain the same - schools only need to provide remote learning to pupils that cannot attend school. Families that chose not to send their children to school must be managed using the attendance guidance. Please contact your Participation Officer if you need support.

Please continue to email the Education Team via education@hilingdon.gov.uk for any support.

Regards,

Dan