School attendance and absence

This guide is for parents of children who live in Essex. Here you'll find information on schools attendance and absence, and who to contact if you have questions

Children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND)

If you feel your child’s attendance difficulties are a result of their special educational need or disability, speak to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at the school. They should be able to support you and your child following the ‘Let’s Talk… We Miss You’ school guidance

If your child is having attendance difficulties and an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) is underway:

  • speak to the SENCO and discuss what support can be put in place to help your child attend school during the assessment
  • let your SEND Operations Co-ordinator know and include them in meetings and conversations around support for your child

If your child is having attendance difficulties and has an EHCP, it is important to let your SEND Operations Partner know. This includes if your child:

  • is unable to attend school for more than 15 days because of ongoing medical conditions, physical or mental health issues
  • has low attendance because of Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
  • attends a school outside of Essex

The SEND Operations partner can support in discussions around:

  • next steps
  • the temporary support needed 

Getting in touch

The contact details for your SEND Operations Co-ordinator or SEND Operations Partner is at the top of any letter they have sent you. You can also contact the SEND Operations teams for advice and support.

You can also contact the Education Access team to discuss what support might be available for your child.

More information is available on the Essex Local Offer website.