Attendance at both university, school-based training and the placement experience is compulsory. Records are kept and used in the writing of references and for student teachers who wish to have their qualification recognised abroad.
In the case of absence from a placement experience the student teacher should:
- inform placement no later than 7.30am (reason for absence and anticipated return date);
- contact Lead Mentor (LT) by 8am on the first day of absence (reason for absence and anticipated return date);
- notify work-based learning of absence and return date on edn-wbl@ljmu.ac.uk (include in email to Lead Mentor via the cc function);
- contact university staff (session lead) if the absence is a university taught day (follow published guidance from the Programme Lead);
- record their absence on https://my.ljmu.ac.uk/ and update Abyasa;
- communicate professionally with schools and use appropriate school procedures (do not send messages via other people or use texts).
It is the individual’s responsibility to make sure all appropriate personnel are kept informed of any absence according to school and university policies.
Unsatisfactory attendance, without clear medical evidence may result in a tutorial being instigated. In some circumstances, unnotified and extended absence may lead to a student teacher being referred to Occupational Health for a fitness to practice investigation or withdrawn from the course. Student teachers who need to take time off for medical reasons, hospital appointments etc. must seek approval from the school placement and the Programme Leader (medical evidence will be required).
Absence from the course without following procedures may result in:
- initiation of the Additional Support Framework (ASF) procedure;
- attendance at a tutorial to discuss absence(s);
- withdrawal from a placement experience by university staff;
- termination of a placement experience by the school (in discussion with university staff);
- a fitness to practice investigation.
Punctuality
Punctuality is considered as an essential part of a student teacher's professional practice and responsibility. Student Teachers should be punctual to:
- the start of morning and afternoon school (including briefing sessions);
- form tutor sessions;
- assemblies and duties;
- the start of lessons;
- any extracurricular activity;
- activities with shared oversight of pupil safety;
- compulsory staff/ departmental meetings.
Student teachers are advised to arrive no later than 30 minutes before the start of the school day and leave no earlier than 30 minutes after the end of the school day (appropriate school procedures should be followed). Student teachers will be advised of attendance at any compulsory staff/ departmental meetings.
Professionalism
Professionalism is an essential part of a student teacher's practice and responsibility. Expectations of LJMU student teachers are established in the code of professional conduct (see Section D) which all student teachers are required to complete electronically as confirmation that they will adhere to its content. Professionalism includes preparedness to teach and accountability for pupil progress. Where a student teacher's lack of professionalism is having a negative impact on pupil progress, the school should inform the Lead Mentor (Liaison Tutor) in order that an Additional Support Framework and Intervention Action Plan can be considered. Where student teachers are considered as displaying poor professional qualities, either at school or at LJMU, a tutorial may be convened. Student teachers are required to demonstrate Part 2 of the Teachers' Standards throughout the duration of their training and should be mindful of the requirements that:
"Teachers uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school" (p14, Teachers Standards).