school attendance and absence

Regular school attendance is important. By law all children of compulsory school age (five to sixteen) must receive a suitable full-time education. This could be at a school or other arrangements such as home schooling.

If your child is registered at a school, you are legally responsible for making sure they attend regularly. If you fail to do this, you risk getting a penalty notice or prosecution.

If you are having difficulties getting your child to attend regularly, talking to the school as early as possible and can help to solve any problems.

Your local authority can also help if you are struggling to ensure that your child goes to school. This is usually through the Education Welfare Service.