Attendance and support

We help make sure children can access the education they are entitled to. We also help safeguard children in education and carry out our legal duties as the local authority.

What we do

The Attendance and Inclusion Service has two teams.

School attendance and support team

This team works with schools, families and partner organisations to improve attendance and support children to stay in education.

The team is responsible for:

  • working with schools in Swindon and beyond to remove barriers to attendance for children and families
  • giving schools advice and guidance to improve attendance
  • working with partner organisations so families get timely and appropriate support
  • tracking and helping children who are not currently accessing education
  • supporting families whose children are electively home educated
  • helping make sure children with part-time jobs or who perform in entertainment are safe and protected from harm through our child entertainment, employment and chaperones guidance

Safeguarding in education team

This team helps schools put strong safeguarding arrangements in place and keep children safe.

The team is responsible for:

  • helping schools in Swindon set up and maintain suitable safeguarding policies and practice
  • giving schools advice and guidance on safeguarding
  • working with key organisations to support children and young people
  • providing training and networking opportunities for education professionals

Why school attendance matters

For most pupils, school is the best place to learn. Being with teachers and other pupils helps keep children safe and supports them to achieve their potential.

A child’s right to education

Every child of compulsory school age is entitled to an efficient, full-time education that is:

  • suitable for their age, ability and aptitude
  • suitable for any special educational needs they may have

Compulsory school age

Children must start full-time education on 31 March, 31 August or 31 December after their fifth birthday, whichever comes first.

Children must stay in full-time education until school leaving age. This is the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.

Young people over compulsory school age and under 18 must do one of the following:

  • stay in full-time education, such as college
  • start an apprenticeship
  • work or volunteer for 20 hours or more a week, with part-time education or training

For more guidance, see Participation of young people in education, employment and training.

How you can support your child’s attendance

Listen to your child’s worries

  • encourage your child to talk about what is worrying them
  • help them think about ways to deal with those worries
  • support them to develop their own coping strategies

Keep the school informed

  • tell the school as soon as possible if there are any problems
  • ask who your best contact is, such as a class teacher, head of year, special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinator (SENDCO), or family support worker
  • keep the school updated if anything changes

Explain your child’s needs

  • make a list of the support that could help your child return to school
  • share your views with the school, because you know your child best
  • if your child feels unable to attend, explain the reasons clearly

Reassure your child

  • let them know it is normal to feel nervous or anxious, especially when returning to a school routine
  • remind them they are not alone and support is available

Create a calm bedtime routine

  • reduce screen time, social media and use of devices before bed
  • keep to a regular routine to help your child relax and get ready for the next day

Plan something to look forward to

  • arrange a treat or activity after the first week back, such as a favourite meal, a film night or an outing
  • a small reward at the end of the school day may also help

Share your own concerns

  • tell the school if you are worried
  • the school may not have an immediate answer, but it may reassure you or signpost you to other support

Get ready for the first day back

  • use the holidays to reset routines before the new term starts
  • practise getting up early, check bus times and talk about lunch arrangements
  • small steps like these can help reduce anxiety before term starts

Practise the journey to school

  • help your child get used to the route by practising it in the holidays
  • this can reduce uncertainty and build confidence

Prepare school items in advance

  • get uniform, books and other school items ready before term starts
  • for uniform advice, contact the school

For more advice, see Resources for families.

If your child is ill

If your child is unwell, use the Is my child too ill for school? guide to help you decide whether they can attend. If you report an absence, give the school as much relevant information as you can.

Get advice

If you need advice about school attendance or absence, email attendance@swindon.gov.uk.

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