Severe absence
Children who are severely absent are attending for less than 50% of the sessions. They are therefore at very high risk of further long term absences and exposure to safeguarding situations unless a concerted effort is made across all partners. Children with severe absence will be discussed as a priority at the termly Targeting Support Meetings.
Schools should consider:
- escalating through the EBSA pathway if all steps have been taken
- escalating with virtual school if child is CiC or has a social worker
- a consultation with Early Help to discuss whole family plan
- a prosecution for non-attendance if absence is unauthorised (following consultation with Attendance team)
- a safeguarding referral
The local authority should consider a case of neglect if absences continue to be unauthorised once all avenues of support including appropriate educational support or placements have been facilitated by schools and the local authority.