Attendance: What the Law Says

Regular attendance in school is important. Failing to attend school regularly can have a major impact on children's education, their future and their life chances. Regular attendance means attending school everyday, arriving at school on time and attending every lesson.

What the Law Says:

Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, the parent is responsible for ensuring that their child (between the ages of 5 and 16 years) receives efficient full-time education that is suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs the child may have. This can be through regular attendance at school or by education otherwise (otherwise than at school).

If a child is found not to be educated, the LA has responsibility to work with the child and family to reverse the trend. Under Section 437 of the Education Act of 1996, if the family fails to co-operate with the LA to get their child into suitable and regular education, then the LA may begin procedures for issuing a School Attendance Order. If a child who is registered at school fails to attend regularly then it is the parent who is guilty of an offence under Section 444(1) of the Education Act of 1996.

Parents Guide

Advice and support for parents is available from:

Education Welfare Officers

School Liaison Officers

Learning Mentors and,

Connexions Personal Advisors.

At least one professional from the above organisations works with each Westminster school and families in order to support regular attendance. For details of how to get in touch with them, please contact the Attendance Service at 4 Frampton Street, London, NW8 8LF or on 020 7641 7580. You can also download a copy of the School Attendance leaflet which is available in English, Arabic and Bengali.

Find out more...download a copy of School Attendance leaflet in:

• English
• Arabic
• Bengali