Working Together to Improve School Attendance

Guidance for Schools, Academy Trusts, Governing Bodies, and Local Authorities

Why School Attendance Matters

Regular school attendance is vital for children’s learning, wellbeing, and future opportunities. Persistent absence can be a sign of underlying issues and increases vulnerability to safeguarding risks.

Statutory Guidance and Local Policy

Roles and Responsibilities

Schools and Academy Trusts

  • Promote a culture of high attendance through clear policies, positive relationships, and early intervention.
  • Monitor attendance daily and identify patterns of absence.
  • Work in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies to address barriers to attendance.
  • Designate a senior leader with overall responsibility for attendance.
  • Refer cases of persistent or severe absence to the local authority and follow safeguarding procedures where appropriate.

Governing Bodies

  • Hold school leaders to account for attendance performance.
  • Ensure policies and procedures are in place and reviewed regularly.
  • Champion attendance as a priority for the whole school community.

Local Authority

  • Provide guidance and support to schools and families.
  • Monitor attendance data and intervene where necessary.
  • Issue penalty notices in line with the local code of conduct.
  • Work collaboratively with schools, health, and social care to address complex cases.

Early Intervention and Support

  • Identify issues early: Use data to spot trends and intervene before absence becomes persistent.
  • Work with families: Offer support, signposting, and practical help to overcome barriers.
  • Consider underlying needs: Persistent absence may be linked to SEND, mental health, or safeguarding concerns, work with relevant professionals to address these.

Safeguarding and Attendance

  • Persistent or unexplained absence can be a safeguarding indicator.
  • Follow your setting’s safeguarding procedures and refer to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) if you have concerns about a child’s welfare via the consultation line 0191 424 5010.
  • Information sharing: Share relevant information with the local authority and other agencies in line with data protection and safeguarding protocols.

Penalty Notices and Legal Intervention

  • Penalty notices may be issued for unauthorised absence, holidays taken in term time, or persistent lateness, in accordance with the South Tyneside Code of Conduct.
  • Legal action is a last resort, used when other interventions have not improved attendance.

Further Advice and Resources

For further support, contact the South Tyneside Attendance Service or your Designated Safeguarding Lead.

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