Formal and Legal Interventions
Most attendance concerns can be addressed through early identification, supportive engagement and partnership working with pupils and families. Where attendance does not improve despite appropriate support being offered, schools may need to consider formal or legal interventions in consultation with the Local Authority.
Interventions should always be proportionate, evidence-based and supported by a clear record of the actions taken to improve attendance.
Formal Interventions
Legal Interventions
What Schools Should Consider
Before requesting formal or legal intervention, schools should ensure they have:
- Identified and explored the causes of absence.
- Worked in partnership with the pupil and family to improve attendance.
- Offered, implemented and recorded appropriate support and reasonable adjustments.
- Considered any safeguarding, SEND, medical or welfare needs that may be impacting attendance.
- Maintained accurate attendance records and evidence of interventions undertaken.
- Followed the school’s attendance policy and relevant statutory guidance.
Referral Forms and Requesting Support
Where attendance concerns have not improved despite appropriate support and intervention, schools can request consideration of formal or legal intervention by submitting the relevant referral form.
Please ensure all referrals are supported by appropriate evidence, including attendance records, details of interventions undertaken, and any relevant safeguarding, SEND or medical information.
Referral Forms
Once submitted, referrals will be reviewed by the Attendance Support Team and schools may be contacted for further information where required.
Find Out More
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for further information about:
- Attendance responsibilities
- Attendance support and intervention pathways
- Formal and legal attendance measures
- School evidence requirements
You can also discuss interventions with you allocated Education Welfare Officer