10 day absence

The School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024 requires schools to inform the local authority of any pupils who are regularly absent from school (where absences amount to more than 10 or more days, either consecutively or irregularly and have been unauthorised). Schools are also under a safeguarding duty, under section 175 of the Education Act 2002 to investigate any unexplained absences. This should be no less frequently than once per calendar month.

The Local Authority has designed a form to assist schools to comply with their responsibilities. When we receive this form, you may receive a follow up call from a Local Authority Attendance Officer if further action is required.

We have reviewed the 10 Day Absence reporting requirement following feedback from schools.

From now on, when school initially inform us of a pupil who has 10 days of unauthorised absence, school must fully complete the Initial 10 Day Absence Form. This will enable the Local Authority to offer you tailored guidance based on the circumstances as described on the form. If the initial form is not fully completed, it will be returned to school for further input.

For every subsequent form submitted for the same pupil, school must complete the 10 Day Absence Follow Up Form letting us know that initial advice and guidance has been followed up on and outcomes for the pupil/family.