We all want to give our children the best start in life. We're here to help you and your child every step of the way to make the most of their school years.
Each day they attend in school, they’re building confidence, learning new skills, and building healthy habits for a bright future.
For most pupils, the best place to be is in school, surrounded by the support of their friends and teachers. This is important not just for your child’s learning, but also for their overall wellbeing, wider development and their mental health. Research shows that the more days of school children attend, the better their future outcomes.
We know that attending school every day isn’t always easy and some children may need more help... You’re not alone – we’re here to help with practical tips, support and guidance to help your child make the most of their school life.
Support and guidance
We’re working closely with schools to support families with school attendance.
If you don't know where to begin, go to our Family Information Service page for a summary of how to improve your child's school attendance.
Primary school children
School attendance can be challenging at any age. Early support is a great way to equip children with the tools they need to thrive throughout their school life.
Help is available for younger children, including free courses and support from our Family Hub Service and Family Centres. Click the links below to find out more:
Wellbeing support for primary school aged children
The Family Hub Service delivers a course called ‘Wellbeing Matters’ for 7-11 year olds. This course will provide your child with key skills to build their resilience and support their wellbeing during their primary school years. You can find out more about the course, upcoming dates, and how to book on the BFIS Wellbeing Matters page.
If your child seems unwell and you’re not sure if they can still go to school, use the NHS 'Is my child too ill for school?' advice to check.
It’s usually safe for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild illnesses, like a minor cough, runny nose or sore throat.
However, children should stay at home if they have a high temperature of 38C or above. The NHS has published guidance to help parents and carers decide whether their child is well enough to attend school, including information on a range of common childhood illnesses and conditions, such as coughs, colds, chickenpox, measles and headlice.
Secondary school children
Secondary school is a critical stage in a child’s education, providing a strong foundation for future success. Secondary school offers regular peer to peer interaction, consistent routine and a nurturing environment to help your child reach their potential.
We have resources to help ease the challenges that come along with secondary school. From managing exam stress to building personal resilience, take a look at our guides below:
Moving up to secondary school
Starting secondary school can be a daunting time but we have some useful resources to ease the transition. To give your child a headstart in the new school year, take a look at our resources for parents, carers and young people:
For parents and carers
For young people
Further support for young people
Our Family Information Service offers courses and further information about key issues that may contribute to school non-attendance for secondary school aged young people.
- Online courses for young people, including:
- How to Thrive at School
- How to Move up to Secondary School
- How to Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
- How to deal with Stress, Anxiety and Low Mood
- Information about Family Centres and the support they can offer
- Free parenting Courses run by the Family Hub Service
Children with SEND
We know some children and families may need a bit of extra help with school attendance due to special educational needs and disabilities. Professionals are already working with many of these families, but you can contact the following services if you think your child could benefit from this support.
For support with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), emotional-based school non-attendance, and Education, Health and Care plans, contact the Bucks SENDIAS service.
SENDIAS provides free, confidential, and impartial information, advice and support on all matters relating to special educational needs and disability for children and young people aged 0 to 25 and their parents or carers.
The Local Offer provides services and support for young people with SEND and their parents and carers. From financial advice and education support to local events and, the Local Offer can help.
The Parent’s Portal by Autism Early Support (AES) offers free online guidance to support your child’s journey through school, home and social life.
You can also visit Bucks Family Information Service, call BFIS on 01296 383293, or talk to professionals such as teachers or social workers.
You can find further information and support:
Other support available
- Kooth - Access to judgement-free wellbeing support for young people
- FACT Bucks - A forum for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
School transport
For secondary school aged children, you can check if your child is eligible for transport using our free school transport eligibility checker.
You can view the school transport policy for eligibility information relevant to all ages.
Anxiety and other mental health resources
School life can be challenging for some students but you are not alone. There is information and resources available about looking after mental health, for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff. Visit the Education Hub website for information including:
- Mild anxiety in relation to school
- General information about young people’s wellbeing and mental health
- Specialist support