Inclusion, Attendance and Welfare Service

By law, all children of compulsory school age must receive a full-time education which is suitable to the child's age, ability, aptitude and to 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 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
• Unauthorised absence

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 whole the 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 with a penalty notice or subject to a criminal prosecution.

If you suspect your child may be missing school, is unhappy at school or if you've 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 absence through compliance with government expectations, Plymouth City Council service standards and the law.

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