Regular school attendance is important for children and young people to achieve the best possible educational outcomes. However, attendance difficulties can sometimes be linked to unmet special educational needs (SEND), disability, health needs, anxiety or difficulties accessing the school environment.
Schools, parents, carers and local authorities should work together to understand the reasons behind attendance difficulties and identify appropriate support.
When Attendance Becomes a Concern
If your child’s attendance is beginning to decline, it is important to seek support as early as possible.
Speak to:
- Your child’s class teacher or tutor
- The SENCO
- A member of the school’s pastoral team
- A member of the senior leadership team
Schools should work with families to understand any barriers to attendance and consider whether additional support may be required.
Attendance and SEND
Children and young people with SEND are more likely to experience difficulties attending school.
Attendance difficulties may sometimes indicate:
- Unmet special educational needs
- Difficulties with learning
- Sensory needs
- Communication difficulties
- Social, emotional or mental health needs
- Bullying or difficulties with peer relationships
- Difficulties accessing the school environment
A child does not need a diagnosis to receive SEND support.
What Should Schools Do?
Schools should:
- Identify and assess needs.
- Work with parents and carers.
- Put appropriate support in place.
- Review the effectiveness of support.
- Consider reasonable adjustments where a child is disabled.
Where attendance difficulties are linked to SEND, schools should follow the graduated approach of:
Assess → Plan → Do → Review
Education, Health and Care Plans
If your child has an EHCP and is struggling to attend school, you can request an early annual review.
The Local Authority remains responsible for securing the special educational provision specified in Section F of the EHCP.
If needs have changed, additional assessments or amendments to the plan may be required.
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Some children experience significant anxiety about attending school. This is often referred to as Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).
Where anxiety is affecting attendance:
- Work closely with the school.
- Seek appropriate health support.
- Consider whether additional SEND support is needed.
- Keep evidence of professional advice and recommendations.
Education for Children Unable to Attend School
Where a child cannot attend school because of illness, mental health difficulties or other reasons, the Local Authority may have duties under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to arrange suitable education.
The circumstances of each case will need to be considered individually.
How SIASS Can Help
SIASS can:
- Explain attendance-related rights and responsibilities.
- Discuss SEND support in school.
- Explain EHC needs assessments and EHCP reviews.
- Provide information about Section 19 duties.
- Signpost families to other sources of support.