School attendance

Regular school attendance is important for your child.

If you think a child is missing from education because they do not have a school place, or are not getting any kind of education, contact us by calling 020 7525 5768, or emailing cme@southwark.gov.uk. You can also message the Pupil Tracking and Licensing Team.

Your child's attendance

Children who miss school may:

• fall behind with their work
• not perform as well in exams 
• be more likely to be involved in anti-social behaviour or crime

By law, children aged 5 to 16 must receive a suitable full-time education. 

It’s up to you as a parent or guardian to make sure they attend regularly. Your child's school will contact you if they do not attend. We may also get in touch.

We have the legal power to issue a penalty if your child does not go to school regularly.

Help with attendance

If your child is struggling to go to school, here are some ways to help them:

• make sure they understand the importance of going to school
• take an interest in their education 
• discuss problems they may have and let school know about anything serious
• do not let them take time off school for minor problems
• arrange appointments and outings outside of school hours

Find out more information about children's social care.