Regular school attendance gives children the best opportunity to learn, achieve and develop the skills they need for later life. Attending school every day helps children make progress in their learning, build friendships, develop confidence and feel part of their school community.
Why Attendance Matters
Every child has the right to a full-time education. Good attendance supports academic achievement, wellbeing and positive outcomes both in school and beyond. Missing school can make it more difficult for children to keep up with learning, maintain friendships and access the full range of opportunities available to them.
How We Can Help
Schools, families and the Attendance Support Team work together to promote and support good attendance. We recognise that there can be many reasons why a child may struggle to attend school regularly and we are committed to working with families to understand and address any barriers.
Support is available to help children and families improve attendance, access advice and guidance, and access additional support where needed. Early conversations with your child’s school can often help prevent attendance concerns from escalating.
Further Information
- Why Attendance Matters
- Attendance and the Law
- Attendance interventions
- Absence Due to Illness
- Improving Attendance
- Furtherl Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Attendance Support and Legal Interventions
Find out more about the attendance support and legal interventions that may be used where attendance concerns persist:
- Notices to Improve (NTIs)
- Attendance Contracts
- Penalty Notices
- Attendance Prosecution
- Education Supervision Orders (ESOs)
- Parenting Orders
If you are concerned about your child’s attendance, please speak to your child’s school as early as possible so that appropriate support can be put in place.