What is good attendance?
We always aim for 100% attendance, giving children the maximum opportunity to benefit from their education.
We recognise that some children may experience illness, disability or other circumstances that affect attendance. In these cases, schools will work with families to support children to achieve the highest level of attendance possible.
Good attendance helps children make progress in their learning, build friendships, develop confidence and access all the opportunities that school provides.
What is persistent absence?
A child is classed as persistently absent when their attendance falls to 90% or below.
Although 90% attendance sounds high, it means a child has missed approximately 19 school days over an academic year. Missing school can have a significant impact on learning, progress and wellbeing.
If attendance becomes a concern, schools will work with families to understand any barriers and provide support.
How do I report my child’s absence?
If your child is unable to attend school, you should:
- Contact the school as early as possible on the first day of absence.
- Explain the reason for the absence.
- Follow your school’s reporting procedures.
- Keep the school informed if the absence continues.
Prompt communication helps schools ensure children are safe and allows appropriate support to be offered where needed.
What if my child is anxious about school?
It is normal for children and young people to experience worries or anxiety from time to time.
If your child is reluctant to attend school or expresses worries about attending, it is important to speak to the school as early as possible. Schools can work with families to understand what is causing the anxiety and identify appropriate support.
Avoiding school can sometimes make worries more difficult to manage in the long term. Early support and a planned approach are often the most effective way to help children feel confident about returning to school.
Can I take my child on holiday during term time?
Parents can request a leave of absence from their child’s school. However, headteachers may only authorise absence during term time in exceptional circumstances.
Holidays are not usually considered exceptional circumstances. If absence is not authorised, it may be recorded as unauthorised absence and could result in further action in line with Sutton’s Attendance Graduated Response.
You should always discuss any request with your child’s school before making travel arrangements.
My child has a medical appointment. Should they attend school?
Where possible, medical, dental and other routine appointments should be arranged outside school hours.
If an appointment must take place during the school day, children should attend school before and after the appointment whenever possible.
My child is unwell but wants to attend school. What should I do?
Many minor illnesses do not require children to stay at home.
If your child has a mild cough, cold, sore throat or other minor illness and feels well enough to participate in normal school activities, they should usually attend school.
If you are unsure whether your child is well enough to attend, speak to your school or refer to NHS guidance.
What if my child is frequently ill?
Children should stay at home when they are genuinely too unwell to attend school.
If your child has ongoing or frequent absences because of illness, it is important to keep the school informed and discuss any support that may be needed.
Schools may ask for medical information where absences become frequent or prolonged so that they can better understand the circumstances and work with families to support attendance.
The school has asked for medical evidence. What does this mean?
Where a child has frequent or ongoing illness-related absences, a school may place them on a medical evidence monitoring period.
This means the school may ask parents to provide evidence to support future illness absences. Medical evidence can include:
- Appointment cards or appointment letters.
- Prescriptions or pharmacy information.
- Hospital letters.
- Evidence from a healthcare professional.
- Other appropriate medical documentation.
Schools should explain why medical evidence is being requested and how long the monitoring period will remain in place.
If you are experiencing difficulties obtaining medical evidence, you should discuss this with your child’s school as soon as possible.
What happens if my child arrives late to school?
Children should arrive at school on time every day.
If a child arrives after the register has opened but before it closes, they may be recorded as late. If they arrive after the register has closed, the session may be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Persistent lateness can have a significant impact on learning and may result in attendance support measures being put in place. Schools will usually work with families to identify and address the reasons for lateness before considering any formal action.
What should I do if my child refuses to attend school?
If your child is refusing to attend school, it is important to seek support as early as possible.
Speak to the school about any worries, anxieties or difficulties that may be affecting attendance. Schools can work with families to understand the reasons behind the refusal and identify appropriate support.
Trying to address concerns early can prevent attendance difficulties from becoming more serious.
What support is available if my child has SEND?
Some children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) may experience additional barriers to attendance.
Schools and other professionals will work with families to understand these barriers and identify appropriate support. Attendance concerns will always be considered within the context of the child’s individual needs and circumstances.
Having SEND does not automatically mean absence should occur, but appropriate support should be provided to help children access education wherever possible.
How can I help improve my child’s attendance?
There are lots of small steps that can make a big difference:
- Establish good bedtime routines.
- Create calm and consistent morning routines.
- Prepare school equipment, uniform and PE kits the night before.
- Encourage and praise good attendance.
- Take an interest in your child’s education.
- Talk openly about any worries or concerns.
- Seek support early if attendance becomes difficult.
Building positive attendance habits from an early age can help children throughout their education.
What support is available?
Schools, families and the Attendance Support Team work together to help children attend school regularly.
Support may include:
- Discussions with school staff.
- Attendance support plans.
- Pastoral and wellbeing support.
- Early Help services.
- Referrals to appropriate external agencies.
- Attendance Contracts or Parenting Contracts where appropriate.
- Other attendance support interventions tailored to the needs of the child and family.
The earlier concerns are shared, the easier it is to identify solutions and provide support.
What happens if attendance does not improve?
The focus will always be on understanding barriers to attendance and providing support.
Where attendance concerns continue despite support and intervention, schools and the Local Authority may consider more formal attendance measures. Further information is available in the following guidance pages:
- Attendance Contracts
- Parenting Contracts
- Notices to Improve (NTIs)
- Penalty Notices
- Education Supervision Orders (ESOs)
- Attendance Prosecution
- Parenting Orders
Who should I contact if I am worried about my child’s attendance?
Your child’s school should always be your first point of contact.
Schools are committed to working in partnership with families to understand concerns, identify barriers and provide support. Sharing concerns early often prevents attendance difficulties from becoming more significant issues and helps children access the support they need.