Problems with attendance
Children who attend school regularly have been proven to achieve more and to have a better start in life. We know that some children struggle to attend school because of anxieties or difficulties that may be associated with their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Why children who have SEND may struggle
All maintained schools, academy schools (including free schools but not 16-19 academies), alternative provision academies (including alternative provision free schools), and Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) have a legal duty under the Children’s and Families Act 2014, to work with you to identify and support any special needs that your child may have.
This means that if your child is struggling to attend school because of their SEND, their school should be working to offer appropriate support or to further investigate your child’s SEND if not enough is known about it.
They can also take advice from and make referrals to other external support service and teams.
How schools can help
Children who have SEND may feel overwhelmed and have tantrums, physical complaints or threaten to harm themselves if you make them go to school.
Supporting them in the right way can make a significant difference to their attendance.
There are things that both schools and parents can do to make things better.
What parents can do
If you think that your child doesn’t want to go to school because of their SEND, you could ask for a meeting with the school to discuss this. We can help you to prepare for a school meeting.
If you feel that the school are not able to meet your child’s needs you can also consider an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment. We can provide information and support with applying for an assessment.
If your child already has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, it may need to be reviewed. For example, it may be that your child has developed new social, emotional or mental health needs that are not covered by the existing plan. We can help you to prepare for a review.
You could also speak to your child’s doctor (GP) about your concerns. If the GP agrees that your child is not currently able to attend school, ask them for a letter, to give as evidence to the school or local authority for their non-attendance.
Attendance team
The Attendance Team have a responsibility to make sure parents ensure their child attends school regularly and on time. This is all children, not only those with SEND.
Get in touch with us
If you can't find what you need, feel free to get in touch with us. Our opening hours are:
- Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 3pm
- Friday from 9.30am to 2pm
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 3 working days.
Other sources of help and support:
Hertfordshire Local Offer
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.
Visit the Local Offer →
Contact
A charity for families with disabled children offering information and advice.
Visit Contact →
HPCI
An independent parent carer organisation ensuring family voices are heard.
Visit the HPCI →
IPSEA
Independent information, advice and support, with free guides, resources and template letters.
Visit IPSEA →