School Attendance

School absence

School absence is proven to have a significant negative impact upon a child’s educational fulfilment and further education. This can lead to many issues such as:

• Fall behind with their schoolwork
• Do less well in their exams
• Miss out on social interaction and necessary life skills 
• Be involved in antisocial behaviour or crime
• Future acceptance of jobs/college/university

Regular attendance is not only a legal requirement but is essential for children/young people to maximise their educational opportunities.

Responsibilities

Parents/carers have a responsibility to ensure their child’s regular attendance at school or otherwise. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that their child is educated according to their age, ability and aptitude, and any special educational needs they may have.

Penalty Notices

Failure to ensure regular attendance at school may lead to a penalty notice being issued or legal action this may result:

• In a fine of up to £2,500,
• Imprisonment or a custodial sentence. 

Click Here to visit the School Absence Penalty Notice Payment

Who we work with

Nottingham City Council and The Education Welfare and EOTAS Service work closely with schools and families to address attendance concerns and school absence.

Schools will refer pupils to the Education Welfare Service if:

• A pattern of irregular attendance, lateness or persistent absenteeism is worsening
• Parents do not accept their responsibilities for ensuring their child attends school and are refusing to discuss the matter.

The Education Welfare and EOTAS Service advise:

• Avoid taking holidays in school term-time
• Ensure all absence is reported to your school as soon as possible to inform why your child is absent and when you expect them to return
• Contact your child’s school to address the reasons for any ongoing absence

Contact the Education Welfare and EOTAS Service if you would like support to help resolve issues relating to school absence or Elective Home Education.

Are you concerned about a child’s attendance?

If you believe that a child may be missing school, the Education Welfare and EOTAS Service need to know straight away.

You need to contact us straight away if you:

• Have noticed a child who does not appear to be attending school regularly
• Believe that a child is not receiving any education
• Have any concerns about children who have gone missing from your area or neighbourhood.

You do not need to give your personal details but if you do all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Report a concern about a child’s attendance by completing the Check and Challenge form.

Home Education

Parents may choose to educate their children at home. 

• Click here to visit the Home Education Page.