Why is it important for children not to miss school?

Most parents want their children to get on well in life. Nowadays, it is more important than ever to have a good education behind you if you want opportunities in adult life. Children only get one chance at school, and your child's chances of a successful future may be affected by not attending school regularly.

If children do not attend school regularly, they may not be able to keep up with school work. In a busy school day it is difficult for teachers to find the extra time to help a child catch up. And it's not only the academic work: missing out on the social side of school life - especially at primary school - can affect children's ability to make and keep friendships, a vital part of growing up.

Setting good attendance patterns from an early age will also help your child later on. Employers want to recruit people who are reliable. So children who have a poor school attendance record may have less chance of getting a good job. Being on time is also vital. Arriving late at school can be very disruptive for your child, the teacher, and the other children in the class. Some parents may be trying but finding it hard to get their children to attend school.

Research has shown that some young people who regularly miss school for no good reason may be drawn in to anti-social behaviour or crime.

What does the law say?

By law, all children of compulsory school age (between 5 and 16) must get a suitable, full-time education. As a parent, you are responsible for making sure this happens, either by registering your child at a school or by making other arrangements which provide a suitable education.

Once your child is registered at a school you are responsible for making sure that they attend regularly. If your child fails to attend regularly, even if they miss school without you knowing, we may take legal action against you.

What about authorised absences?

Of course there may be times when your child has to miss school because she or he is ill. This is to be expected and for the odd day off sick you should follow the school's procedures for notifying illness. Children may also have to attend a medical or dental appointment in school time. However, you should try to make routine appointments such as dental check-ups during the school holidays or after school hours.

Any absence must be requested as far in advance as possible. Absences can only be authorised by the school. If you think you might need to take your child out of school, discuss the reasons with the school as soon as possible. Reasons such as family bereavement or taking part in a religious event would be acceptable for short absences. Unacceptable reasons for missing school include shopping and birthdays.

What about holidays in term time?

You should not expect your child's school to agree to an absence for a holiday during term time, particularly if it is for more than ten days. Taking a holiday during term time means that children miss important school time - both educationally and for other school activities. It will be difficult for them to catch up on work later on.

The law says that schools have the discretion to grant up to ten days authorised absence in a school year. Each application is considered individually by the school, taking into account factors like the timing of the holiday and the child's attendance record. You should negotiate absence with the school as early as possible. Schools will only consider any additional absence during term time in exceptional circumstances. There may be educational reasons for a trip, such as a private exchange. In these circumstances schools are more likely to agree an absence.

If you need to take your child out of school during term time:

• You must contact your child's school immediately. 
• Only ask for time off during exam or test periods in exceptional circumstances.
• Always consult the school before booking travel for holidays in term time, as permission may not be granted.

What happens if my child does not attend school regularly?

Your child's school is responsible by law for reporting poor attendance to us. We monitor school attendance and help parents meet their responsibility. If your child is not attending school regularly, an education welfare officer may visit or write to you. Education welfare officers work with parents to address their child's attendance difficulties. You may be offered a parenting contract by us or your child's school. This is a formal agreement in which we and/or the school agree to provide you with support and you agree to do certain things to help improve your child's attendance.

At what age can children leave school?

By law, compulsory education for all children in England ends on the last Friday in June in the school year in which the child reaches 16. Your child cannot leave school until that date. Even if they have received their National Insurance card before then, it is still against the law for them to leave school and begin full time work.

What can I do to help?

If you suspect that your child may be missing school or is unhappy at school, you should contact us or the school as soon as possible so that we can work to resolve any difficulties.

Make sure your child understands that you do not approve of missing school, but be on the alert for any particular reasons for non-attendance, such as bullying or problems with school work and discuss these with the school.

If your child is ill or absent for any other reason, contact the school on the first day of absence.

Make sure your child arrives at school on time for both the morning and afternoon sessions.

Take an interest in your child's education. Ask them about their day, and praise and encourage their achievements at school.

Cooperate with any support, such as a parenting contract offered by us or the school.

If you are concerned about your child's attendance, start with your school, or contact the Principal Education Welfare Officer.

Other useful sources of information

Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) Independent practical and legal advice on schooling issues. General helpline: 0808 8005793 (2 - 5 pm weekdays). Exclusions information: 0808 8000327 (24 hrs).  Advisory Centre for Education website includes advice booklets that can be downloaded, including on bullying and special educational needs.

Childline provides a free confidential helpline for children. Tel: 0800 1111

Parentline Plus provides a free 24-hour confidential helpline for parents. Tel: 0808 800 2222.  There is also a free text phone for people with a speech or hearing impairment: 0800 783 6783.  The Parentline Plus website includes information leaflets, courses and workshops.

The Department for Education website includes information on all aspects of school attendance, bullying and advice on how you can help with your child's education.