Introduction
Keeping children in education and safeguarding
Although the reasons for poor school attendance are usually complex, all lead professionals should be aware that where ‘attendance at nursery/school is irregular’, neglect may be a factor and attendance should therefore form a core part of any assessment into the needs of a child and their family.
The London Child Protection Procedures note that:
‘If a parent fails to comply with local authority efforts to ensure regular school attendance for a child, this must be viewed as a child welfare matter and a referral made to LA children's social care in line with Referral and Assessment Procedure.’ (s 4.3.4)
In their Improving school attendance: support for schools and local authorities, the Department for Education (DfE) explicitly indicates that:
‘Social workers and family support workers should convey expectations for attendance and support children and families to overcome barriers to attendance’
The Southwark Safeguarding Children Board Multi-agency Threshold of Need 2019 edition clearly sets out the levels at which attendance concerns meet the threshold for statutory intervention from children’s social care. This guidance should inform and assist social workers and others in decision-making with regard to the appropriate tier for targeted services to be offered with respect to attendance:
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Tier 1 Children with no additional needs whose health and developmental needs can be met by universal services |
Tier 2 Children with additional needs. Universal services and/or support from Family Early Help. |
Tier 3 Children with complex multiple needs. Statutory and specialist services. |
Tier 4 Children in acute need. |
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The parent/carer encourages regular attendance and engagement in suitable formal education |
The parent does not ensure attendance and demonstrates ambivalence towards their child’s right to education. |
The parent/ carer does not ensure that their child receives suitable formal education and colludes with their child regarding absence from school, and condones it despite intensive support. |
The parent/carer disregards the need for their child to engage in education, and will not engage with services |
Find the full Southwark Safeguarding Children Board Multi-agency Threshold of Need 2019 Edition.
Page last updated: 16 January 2023
