School attendance and SEND: new DfE guidance for families

## The key change Schools and local authorities must now follow a "support first" approach. For pupils whose absence is linked to SEND, a medical condition or mental health, schools are expected to put support in place — including reasonable adjustments — before considering legal action. ## What this means for your family - Ask for an **attendance support meeting** in writing if your child is struggling to attend. - Reasonable adjustments can include a part-time timetable (time-limited and reviewed), late starts, quiet entry, sensory breaks and an exit pass. - Penalty notices and prosecution should be a last resort, not a first response. - Children with an EHCP who can't attend should have Section F provision delivered in alternative ways while support is reviewed. ## If things go wrong - Put a polite written request for an attendance support meeting to the headteacher. - Copy in the SENCo and (if relevant) the EHCP caseworker. - Free advice: SENDIASS, IPSEA, Not Fine in School and the Square Peg campaign. **Source:** DfE — "Working Together to Improve School Attendance" (statutory guidance).