Integrated Attendance Service update
Work is progressing on the new integrated Attendance Service, which combines the current District Truancy Service (DTS) and Non-Enrolled Truancy Service (NETS). The new service will support all schools to effectively manage attendance, reduce unjustified absences and reduce non-enrolment. The Attendance Service Application (ASA) system, which records unjustified absence referrals and non-enrolment notifications all in one place, is on track and expected to be available to all schools in 2013.
Request for proposal (RFP) process
The request for proposals (RFP) for service providers for the new integrated Attendance Service has closed. The Ministry has been reviewing the RFPs and it is likely the successful service providers will be announced in November.
The Ministry will work with and support the service providers to ensure the transition to the new integrated service is as smooth as possible.
What does the introduction of the new integrated Attendance Service mean for schools?
Non enrolment notifications
The current non enrolment notification (NEN) process will not change. These will continue to be generated by schools using ENROL to manually submit a NEN in the usual way.
Unjustified absences
For an unjustified absence (UA), the school will be able to enter the referral notification straight into the new ASA system via a screen that has the same look and feel as the ENROL NEN screen. The amount of information that will be required when entering an unjustified absence is about the same as what is currently required when submitting a NEN.
One of the main advantages of the ASA system is that the provider in a school’s area will receive the information about the unjustified absence immediately after the school has submitted it – this means the provider can follow up the referral as quickly as possible.
Training and support
The Ministry is in the process of preparing training materials and information outlining how to use the ASA. A training simulation stepping schools through completing a referral, supported by Quick Reference Cards will enable School Administrators to become familiar with the system at a time that suits them. Schools will be able to access the training materials via the website from January.
Schools using the ASA system will be able to access ongoing technical support via a help desk number and an email address.
More information
More information about the integrated Attendance Service is available on the Ministry’s website at www.minedu.govt.nz/attendance
If you have any questions or concerns email us – [email protected]
Letter sent today by me
To Whom Greetings
15/10/2012 - Term 4.2012
The Central Taranaki DTS and the South Taranaki DTS still have had NO contact from the MoE or any successful provider regarding the New Attendance Service.
I understood that today was the timeline for this.
I employ staff and though they have been informed that their contracts finish at the end of T4.2012, I need to advise them of an outcome so as valuable information regarding their client loads are NOT lost, apart from the fact that these are part time workers who rely on their jobs for their families survival.
I understood that this was to be a merging of the TWO Services DTS and NETS into one Integrated Attendance Service as reported by you, though now passed on to new providers who were advised of the current operating services at their disposal.
We have patiently waited but have heard nothing.
Please provide me with some updated information.
Kind Regards
Stephan Dyer
(Senior Truancy Officer) CTDTS and STDTS
Board of Trustees Stratford High School
Counsellor Pvt Practice