Truancy - a guide for parents

Research shows that children who attend school regularly are likely to be more successful.

A pupil who misses a day of school a week misses an equivalent of two years in their school life, leading to gaps in their knowledge that become difficult to fill.

Truancy, an absence not authorised by the school could mean:

a parent sends a note into school to explain a child’s absence and the school do not accept this as a good reason for absence (e.g. shopping or collecting relatives from the airport.)
a parent does not give the school a reason for their child’s absence.
parents are not aware of the absence e.g. a child leaves the school premises without permission.
arriving at school late after the registers are closed.

It is not acceptable to miss school for

shopping
birthday treats and trips
looking after others at home
non-urgent medical or dental appointments

Truancy patrols
The police have powers under the Crime and Disorder Act to carry out patrols with the education welfare service.

Pupils found out of school can be returned to their school. Adults accompanying children will be asked to explain why the child is not at school which may be followed up with the child’s school.

Responsibilities of parents and carers
The Education Act states that parents and carers must ensure that school age children receive a suitable education. For most children this is full time schooling.

Children must attend school regularly. Failure to do so could lead to prosecution for parents or carers. Upon conviction the maximum fine is £2,500 or three months imprisonment. You may also be issued with a fixed penalty notice of up to £100.

Only the school can authorise absence. If a child is missing from school they may be at risk of becoming a victim or a perpetrator of crime.

Frequently asked questions

Q.	What happens after the truancy patrol has stopped me with my child?
A.	Your child’s school and the education welfare officer will be notified and will take appropriate action to ensure your child’s regular school attendance.
Q.	I am worried about my child’s school attendance. What should I do?
A.	Contact your child’s school to discuss the situation, ask to speak to the education welfare officer or contact the education welfare service on 54 80 26.
Q.	My dentist / doctor only makes appointments during school time, does this count as truancy?
A.	Medical absences can be authorised by the school when requested in advance. Where possible the appointment should be made outside school hours.

How you can help your child avoid truancy

make sure your child attends school regularly and on time.
contact the school on the first day of absence if your child is unwell and send a note of explanation on their return.
ensure you are aware of school rules
seek the head teacher’s permission in advance if you are taking your child out of school during term-time.
show an interest in your child’s education and attend parents’ evenings
make sure your child understands how important it is to attend school regularly and that you do not approve of them missing school
make sure your child understands how important it is to attend school regularly and that you do not approve of them missing school
make sure your child gets to school on time and is prepared for school the night before. Arriving late can be very disruptive for your child and others in the class.
show an active interest in your child’s school work. Ask about their day and praise their achievements at school.