School attendance guidance

Children who are persistently absent

If a child is persistently absent, the headteacher may decide to refer the child to our County Attendance team. A child may be referred to us when:

  • attendance is below 90%
  • multiple absences have occurred in the previous 5 weeks
  • the majority of absences are unauthorised

The school must attempt to address the absence with parents or carers first.

If no improvements are made and the school can provide evidence of these efforts, then the referral can be made.

How we can help

Our county attendance team can help with:

  • good attendance
  • punctuality
  • reducing unauthorised absences
  • safeguarding vulnerable children and young people of statutory school age

Contact us on [email protected] if you would like to discuss a child's absence from school.