1. Purpose

This policy sets out CHE’s requirements regarding student attendance at scheduled classroom and clinic activities. Regular attendance is essential for students to achieve the learning outcomes of their programme and to comply with the requirements of accrediting professional bodies.

2. Attendance Requirements

Students are required to attend a minimum of 85% of all scheduled classes and clinic activities for each module. Attendance is monitored via a register taken at the beginning and end of every teaching day.

Absence below the minimum threshold may result in:

• Exclusion from assessment for the affected module.
• Award of the ‘X’ assessment grade (indicating failure to engage with the learning process).
• A requirement to retake the module (with payment of the module registration fee, though without academic penalty where absence is approved).

3. Reporting Absence

Students must notify the Programme Administrator of any absence and the reason as soon as possible. Supporting evidence (e.g. a medical certificate or GP note) should be provided wherever possible.

If you are experiencing persistent difficulties attending classes due to personal, financial or academic challenges, please contact relevant professional staff early — Student Support Officer, Academic Support Officer, Programme Leader or Managing Director.

4. Extenuating Circumstances

Where absence exceeds the permitted level due to exceptional personal circumstances, students should:

• Submit a written explanation to the Programme Administrator within four weeks of the missed attendance.
• Provide written supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate, employer letter) wherever possible.

Circumstances ordinarily accepted: illness, accident, close bereavement, compassionate grounds, sudden employment crises. Circumstances not ordinarily accepted: misreading of timetables and pre-planned holidays.

The Programme Leader will determine compensation arrangements in consultation with the relevant Module Leader(s). The Progression Assessment Board (meeting annually in September) will consider extenuating circumstances and decide on the student’s progression.

5. Late Arrivals and Early Departures

Students are expected to attend each session from start to finish. Late arrivals and early departures are recorded in the register and accumulated as missed attendance. A student who arrives late for an examination will have one opportunity to resit without financial penalty, provided a justifiable reason is evidenced. Otherwise the Deferral Policy penalties apply.

6. Assessment and Withdrawal

Students who fail to respond to communications regarding continuous unauthorised absence may be deemed to have withdrawn from the programme and may fail the relevant module(s). Interrupting or withdrawing from a programme may affect your fees or financial entitlements — please seek guidance from the Programme Administrator before making such a decision.

7. Related Policies

• Deferral Policy — for absence affecting assessments.
• Equal Opportunities Policy — reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities.
• Student Agreement — contractual obligations regarding attendance.