In this section, find out what you can do if your child is missing school, for physical health, mental health, or other reasons. Here you will also find information on exclusions and part-time timetables.
Attendance and missing school
There are lots of reasons why your child may miss school. No matter what the reason, your child always has the right to an education and to the support that they need.
Part-time timetables and flexible arrangements
There are lots of reasons why your child might go onto a part-time timetable or another flexible arrangement.
Exclusion from school
Exclusion is when a school sends a pupil home and does not allow them to return for a certain number of days or on a permanent basis.
Missing school due to physical health needs
Children have the right to an education and to the support they need, no matter what their physical health needs. Find out more about what you can do if your child is missing school due to ill-health.
Missing school due to anxiety or other mental health needs
Parents whose children are missing school because of anxiety or mental health issues can find advice to get support in place so children can access learning in or out of school.
Missing school for other reasons
There are many reasons why children and young people may find it difficult to attend school. This is often linked to things happening in their life, their emotional wellbeing, or their experiences, rather than a simple choice not to attend.