Research shows that children who attend school regularly are more likely to be successful. A child who misses a day of school each week misses an equivalent of two whole years in their school life. Missing school leads to gaps in their education that then become difficult to fill
The attendance team works with schools and other agencies to identify pupils with school attendance issues. Any pupils whose attendance is less than 80% and where school’s interventions have failed to achieve an improvement in the pupil’s attendance should be referred to the local authority attendance team for further investigation.
The attendance team
- works with parents who may be experiencing difficulty with their children in ensuring they attend school regularly
- works with the parents of pupils of statutory school age within a statutory framework
- seeks to promote equal opportunities in education for all children
Parents can also seek help from the attendance team if they have a concern regarding their child’s school attendance.
If a child is ill or unable to attend school for some reason parents should contact the school on the first day of absence. Parents should provide an explanation for this non-attendance and it is the school’s decision to consider whether this absence should be authorised. For repeated or regular periods of illness school may request that verification is provided such as a medical certificate from the GP.
Unauthorised absence from school is any absence that is deemed to be not an acceptable reason for missing school. For example shopping, looking after others at home, birthday treats are all unacceptable reasons for absence. Unauthorised absence from school carries the risk of prosecution under Section 444 of the 1996 Education Act.
If a child’s absence falls below 80%, and despite school’s interventions there has been no sustained improvement, a referral to the attendance team may be made. The attendance officer may visit the home and talk with the pupil and family to try to resolve any issues and support a return to school.
Should there be no improvement, the attendance team may decide to prosecute parents for not ensuring that their children attend school regularly
The attendance team also offers advice in relation to child employment and entertainment.
Related documents:
For more information contact the team on 01925 442915.