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Attendance and absence
Attendance and Absence
Being in school regularly supports learning, wellbeing and development. We also understand that some children may experience health, SEND, transport or other difficulties that affect attendance.
If something is making it difficult for your child to attend, please talk to us so we can work together.
If Your Child Cannot Attend School
1. Tell the School
Contact your child's school as early as possible on the first day of absence.
2. Explain Why
Let the school know why your child cannot attend and when you expect them to return.
3. Keep Us Updated
If your child's situation changes or the absence continues, keep the school informed.
4. Ask for Help
If something is making regular attendance difficult, speak to the school. We want to understand what is happening.
Is Your Child Too Unwell for School?
Children should attend school when they are well enough to do so, but there will be times when illness means they need to stay at home.
The NHS provides straightforward advice for parents about common illnesses and whether a child should stay away from school.
SEND, Health and Attendance
Medical and Other Appointments
We understand that children may need to attend medical, therapy, dental or other important appointments.
Please let the school know about appointments in advance wherever possible and provide any information the school requests.
Leave During Term Time
Holidays during term time are not normally authorised. Leave during term time should only be requested where there are exceptional circumstances.
If you need to request leave, contact your child's school before making arrangements.
Is Your Child Finding It Difficult to Attend?
Sometimes absence is a sign that a child or family needs additional support.
Difficulties may relate to health, anxiety, SEND, transport, relationships, changes at home or something happening at school.
Please talk to us rather than waiting for attendance to become a bigger concern. We can listen and help identify the appropriate next steps.
Attendance Information from Our Schools
Woodfield School
Woodfield provides parent information about attendance, punctuality and the school's arrangements for following up absence.
The Village School
The Village School Parents Hub includes attendance information for families.
Brent Attendance Support
Brent School Attendance Service works with schools and families where there are concerns about school attendance.
The service provides advice and guidance and can work with schools, parents and other services where attendance difficulties continue.
Understanding School Attendance
Government guidance explains parents' responsibilities, when children may need to be absent and how schools and local authorities should work with families.
Not Sure What to Do?
Start by speaking to your child's school.
Tell us what is making attendance difficult and anything you think might help. You do not need to have all the answers before asking for support.
Working together gives us the best opportunity to understand the difficulty and support your child.
Talk to Us Early
If your child is unable to attend or is finding attendance difficult, please let the school know. We want to understand what is happening and work with you to support your child.