MANAGEMENT OF STAFF ATTENDANCE:
Management of Sickness Absence and Supporting Staff

Please note a new Section 10 of the Children's Services HR Handbook is on EsiNet. This includes a Part 1 that contains

• Policy on Sickness Absence Management and supporting employees (Part 1a)
• Management guidance on Sickness Absence Management (Part 1b) and supporting employees.
• Diagrammatic summary of procedures and forms used in sickness absence procedures. (Part C) - these will be available shortly after the training sessions (see below)

It is important that Schools' management review these documents and procedures at the earliest opportunity with a view to implementing from 1st January 2006 to 31st March 2006. To assist schools, training sessions are being arranged in November/December 2005.

This policy guidance is important for schools and should normally be embraced by the Governing Body as the school's policy. They have been submitted to consultation with the Headteacher and teacher trade unions and unison.

Other time off arrangements

Parts 2 - 6 will include other attendance issues such as time off for public duties, trade union duties, compassionate leave and maternity/paternity leave and pay. These are covered by Section 1 of the present Handbook but will be moved to Section 10 in the near future.

Training on Important Personnel topics

It is planned to hold half day sessions on Sickness Absence Management and the new procedures on Statutory Grievance/Discipline and dismissal (the latter were issued on 16/4/2005 with MI Sheet Number 79/05 during November and December. The opportunity will be taken to cover any other urgent and Important Personnel topics (these seminars will be free to all schools and refreshments and lunch will be provided). Details of these seminars are on the correspondence section on the e-courier together with administrative details of booking. Should you have queries or comments on this letter and accompanying documents please contact your schools HR Consultant or email ray.philpott@norfolk.gov.uk