My child is struggling to attend
Choose the information that is relevant to your question.
My child is struggling to attend
1. What you might notice
You may notice distress before school, repeated late arrival or difficulty on particular days. Do not assume the cause; explore learning, health, relationships and the environment together.
2. What to ask
- What barriers do we and the child notice, and what support can address them?
- Who will coordinate the plan and when will it be reviewed?
- If a reduced timetable is proposed, why is it needed, what education will be available, and what is the plan for returning to full-time attendance?
3. What to record — and why
Dates, lessons and attendance: Helps identify a possible pattern without assuming all absences have the same cause.
Symptoms or distress and who reported them: Separates observation from diagnosis; seek appropriate health advice.
Support tried and what helped: Provides a basis for a practical plan.
Agreed timetable, education and review date: Makes responsibilities and the intended next step clear.
4. An example
Fictional example, not an account of North Cestrian or a particular child.
My child reports feeling sick before school on Tuesdays. Can we explore the barriers and agree support, rather than assuming the reason?
5. Your next step
Request a joint meeting and a written plan. Use the meeting-note guide. If health-related absence continues, ask school and the council about suitable education.
Copy a preparation template
Complete your own copy outside this website. Use only the headings that help; the explanation above shows why each matters.
My child is struggling to attend — PRIVATE PREPARATION NOTE Dates, lessons and attendance: [Your note] Symptoms or distress and who reported them: [Your note] Support tried and what helped: [Your note] Agreed timetable, education and review date: [Your note] Main question or action requested: [Your note] Agreed follow-up: [Your note]
Check the guidance
DfE: attendance guidance
DfE: mental health and attendance
DfE: education during health-related absence
Guidance checked 14 October 2026. Check current rules before formal action.