Attendance and support

The Attendance and Inclusion Service ensures that all children have access to the education to which they are entitled. The team works to safeguard children in relation to education, fulfilling the local authority’s legal responsibilities.

The Attendance and Inclusion Service consists of:

  • the School Attendance and Support Team who are responsible for:
    • collaborating with all schools in Swindon and beyond to remove barriers to attendance for children and families
    • providing advice and guidance to schools to improve attendance rates
    • working with partner organisations to ensure families receive timely and appropriate support for attendance
    • tracking and assisting children who are not currently accessing education
    • supporting families whose children are electively home educated
    • ensuring that children with part-time jobs or who perform in entertainment are safe and protected from harm
  • the Safeguarding in Education Team who are responsible for:
    • helping schools in Swindon establish and maintain appropriate safeguarding policies and practices
    • offering advice and guidance to schools on safeguarding matters to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children
    • working with key organisations to support children and young people
    • delivering training and networking opportunities for education professionals

The importance of school attendance

For most pupils, school provides the best environment for learning. Being surrounded by teachers and peers supports children’s safety and helps them achieve their potential.

A child’s right to an education

The law entitles every child of compulsory school age to an efficient, full-time education that is:

  • suitable for their age, ability and aptitude
  • tailored to meet any special educational needs they may have

Compulsory school age

Children must start full-time education on 31 December, 31 March, or 31 August following their fifth birthday, whichever comes first.

Children must stay in full-time education until they reach school leaving age. This is the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.

Young people beyond compulsory school age and up to the age of 18 must do one of the following:

  • stay in full-time education, such as college
  • start an apprenticeship
  • spend 20+ hours per week working or volunteering, combined with part-time education or training

For more guidance, see participation of young people in education, employment or training (PDF).

Attendance support

  • Listen to your child’s worries
    • Encourage your child to talk about what is troubling them
    • Help them think of solutions to their concerns
    • Empower them to develop their own strategies to overcome challenges
  • Keep the school informed
    • Notify the school as soon as possible if there are any problems
    • Identify the best point of contact at the school, such as their class teacher, head of year, SENDCO, or family support worker
    • Keep the school updated about any changes or developments
  • Communicate your child’s needs
    • Make a list of ways the school could support your child’s return
    • Share your thoughts with the school, as you know your child best
    • If your child feels unable to attend school, explain the reasons clearly to the school
  • Reassure your child
    • Let them know that feeling nervous or anxious is normal, especially when returning to a school routine
    • Emphasise that they are not alone in feeling this way and that support is available
  • Establish a calming night-time routine
    • Limit screen time, social media and electronics before bed to reduce pre-school worries
    • Create a consistent routine to help them unwind and prepare for the next day
  • Plan something to look forward to
    • Organise a treat or activity after the first week back, such as a favourite meal, a movie night, or an outing
    • Even a small reward at the end of the school day can motivate them to attend
  • Be open about your own concerns
    • Share any worries you have with the school
    • While the school may not always have an immediate solution, they can provide reassurance or signpost you to additional support services
  • Prepare for the first day back
    • Use the holidays to reset routines and prepare for the new term
    • Practise getting up early, check bus schedules and discuss lunch arrangements
    • These small steps can help reduce the anxious feelings that often arise before school starts
  • Practise the journey to school
    • Ensure your child feels comfortable with the route to school by practising it during the holidays
    • Familiarising them with the journey can eliminate uncertainty and boost confidence
  • Get everything ready in advance
    • Prepare all school essentials, such as uniforms, books and supplies before term starts (for uniform advice please contact the school)
    • This reduces stress on the morning of the first day back and makes the transition feel more routine

For more advice, see the Department for Education guidance for parents.

Illness

If your child is unwell, consult the NHS guidance 'Is my child too ill for school?' to help decide whether they can attend. Please ensure you provide as much information (as appropriate) when reporting an absence to the school.

Further information

If you have questions or need advice about school attendance or absences, email: attendance@swindon.gov.uk.

Give feedback about this page

Help us to improve this website

Use this form to provide feedback on this webpage. Don't use it to contact us about a service or make a complaint. We will not reply, even if you include personal details such as your name and address. If you want us to reply, you should contact us in a different way.

What is your feedback for this webpage?