School attendance and absence

By law, all children of compulsory school age must receive a full-time education that is suitable to the child's age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs the child may have. As a parent, you're responsible for registering your child at a school or making other arrangements to provide a suitable education.

Compulsory school age is defined as the start of the term following a child's fifth birthday until the last Friday in June following their 16th birthday.

There may be times when your child doesn't attend school. This will fall into two categories: authorised absence or unauthorised absence.

Authorised absence

• Illness
• Medical appointments (routine medical and dental check-ups should be made outside of school hours whenever possible); if the medical appointment occurs in the morning or afternoon, your child is expected to attend school before or after the appointment (you'll need to provide evidence of the appointment)
• Transport that wasn't provided by us when it should have been
• Unavoidable cause (this means an unusual/extraordinary event that couldn't be avoided)
• A specified, limited period for an immediate family member's bereavement, crisis or serious illness
• A funeral of an immediate family member
• Religious observance (you'll need authorisation from the school at least four weeks before the event)
• A specified, limited period for children of service personnel about to go on deployment (you'll need to provide a letter from the Commanding Officer as evidence)
• One day for the wedding of an immediate family member (you'll need to provide the invitation as evidence)
• One day for an immediate family members graduation ceremony/passing out parade (you'll need to provide the invitation as evidence)
• A one-off sporting events/performing arts competitions if your child is participating and is at county standard or above (you'll need to provide a letter from the performing arts/sports regional governing body as evidence)

Unauthorised absence

• Caring for other family members
• Birthdays
• To interpret for family members
• Having no school uniform/shoes
• Bullying
• Friendship problems
• Head lice
• Learning difficulties
• Family holiday
• Weddings abroad (even if it's immediate family)
• Family anniversaries
• Death of a pet
• Travel problems
• Attending immigration interviews with parents or guardians
• Moving house
• School refusal
• Lateness after the school's registration period

This list provides examples and isn't exhaustive.

If your child is ill or absent for any reason, you need to contact the school on the first day of absence and let them know of any days that your child will be unable to attend. Only your school can decide if the absence is authorised or not.

Getting your child to school on time is also important. Arriving late at school can be very disruptive for your child, the teacher, and other children in the class. You'll need to check the times of the school before your child starts their first day, as late arrival after the school's register closes counts as an unauthorised absence for the whole  morning session.

If you fail to make sure that your child attends school regularly (even if they're missing school without your knowledge), you may be issued a penalty notice or subject to criminal prosecution.

If you suspect your child may be missing school, unhappy at school, or have any concerns, you should contact the school as soon as possible. If the school is concerned about your child's attendance, they may refer you to our inclusion, attendance, and welfare service, who'll work with you to resolve any difficulties.

The function of the Inclusion, Attendance, and Welfare Service (IAWS) is to ensure that all statutory school-aged children are accounted for, receiving and attending suitable, full-time education.

The service acts as a champion for children and fulfils Plymouth City Council's legal responsibilities in relation to children missing education, persistent absence, exclusion matters, and child employment and performance. Promoting regular school attendance and addressing persistent absences through compliance with government expectations, Plymouth City Council service standards, and the law.

If you would like further information or advice, please contact attendancesupport@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307405

You might also like 

• Bullying in schools
• Educating your child at home
• Plymouth Safeguarding Children Board
• Inclusion, Attendance and Welfare Service
• Penalty notices for absence from school

Continue reading 

• Children, families, schools
• View all schools in Plymouth
• Plymouth school term dates and holidays
• Free school meals
• Apply for a school place
• School attendance and absence
• Travelling to school
• 12 top tips to prepare your child for school
• Educating your child at home 
• Find and view an Ofsted report
• Make a complaint about a school

Plymouth's Local Offer

The Plymouth's Local Offer explains the support and services that are available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0 to 25 years.