Our Purpose
Nationally as well as locally there has been an increase in school absence, we recognise the need for a coordinated multi-agency approach to tackle issues through identification and support both at an operational and strategic level.
The aim of the panel is two-fold:
- To be a mechanism for schools/partners to gain access to advice and support from multi-agency professionals regardless of whether the case ordinarily meets usual thresholds and receive support to move ‘stuck’ cases forward.
- To identify any thematic issues that may require systemic/strategic change and escalate these with relevant partners, with the view to adapt and develop local area policy and practice.
Referral Criteria
The attendance panel will consider cases that meet all the following criteria and that have been deemed as appropriate by an attendance triage;
Referrers may usually submit one referral per school, per panel for a child in a Sutton School who is of statutory school age. A referral with multiple siblings or household members, and/or from multiple settings, where attendance is an issue will be considered as one referral.
- There is no multi-agency involvement as the case doesn’t meet thresholds/has been closed.
- OR
- Cases where there is multi-agency involvement, but the case is still not progressing.
- Where it has been agreed that a penalty notice or other legal interventions are not appropriate or have not been successful.
Terms of Reference
You can find the current terms of reference here.
Panel Process
Should your referral be taken forward to panel, you will be allocated a 15 minute time slot to join (please only join at this time) to discuss the case with the multi-agency panel.
Due to the length of the time slots, we ask for as much information on the referral form as possible. The time you are given can then be used effectively towards resolving concerns rather than clarifying information or recommending interventions and approaches that have already been used. A complete referral will also increase the chance of it being taken forward to the next panel.
Dates for panels during Spring and Summer term 25/26
Date: 26th January
Deadline for referrals – 14th January
Time: 13:30 start
4 Week review date: 2nd March
Date: 9th March
Deadline for referrals – 25th February
Time: 13:30 start
4 Week review date: 20 April
Date: 11th May
Deadline for referrals – 22nd April
Time: 13:30 start
4 Week review date: 15th June
Date: 29th June
Deadline for referrals – 17th June
Time: 13:30 start
4 Week review date: 21st July (not 4 weeks, however this allows a review before the end of term)
Referrals
Our referral form is currently OPEN for the panel on the 26th of January and is due to close on 15th January 2026.
Parent/ Guardian consent
As this panel does involve third party agencies and services, parent/ guardian consent is required for us to be able to share information. This Attendance Referral Consent Disclaimer has to be agreed with the pupils parent/ guardian before we are able to accept a case.
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