Attendance and alternative provision · England only

When attendance has broken down, begin with a calm, written picture of what is happening.

Reviewed 30 August 2026 · Educational information and preparation, not legal advice or medical advice.

Start here

Before writing, gather a short attendance timeline, what your child experiences before and during school, any health information you choose to share, and the support already tried. Keep the focus on access to education and wellbeing rather than blame.

A practical path

Three small, informed moves

Make a simple record

Note dates, attendance, patterns of distress, adjustments attempted and the impact on learning. A concise factual record is easier for school and the local authority to understand.

Ask for one joined-up conversation

Request a meeting with a named lead. Ask what support is in place, how attendance is recorded, what evidence the school needs to consider and when the plan will be reviewed.

Clarify the education question

If your child is not receiving suitable education, ask the local authority to explain how it is considering its duties. Section 19 is about suitable education where a child may not receive it because of illness, exclusion or otherwise.

Copy, edit or download

Editable request: a joined-up attendance and education plan

Adapt the wording to your family’s facts. Attach only information you are comfortable sharing, and keep a copy of what you send.

Subject: Request for a joined-up attendance and education plan for [child’s name]

Dear [name / school / local authority team],

I am writing because [child’s name] is currently finding attendance difficult. Since [date], the pattern has been [brief factual description]. We have noticed [brief description of distress, barriers or impact on learning].

I would be grateful for a meeting with a named lead to agree a short, written plan. Please could the plan set out:

• the support and reasonable adjustments currently in place;
• how attendance and wellbeing will be monitored;
• what information you need from us or relevant professionals;
• how [child’s name] will access suitable education while this is being considered; and
• a review date and the person responsible for coordinating the plan.

I understand that the local authority has duties relating to suitable education for children who may not receive it because of illness, exclusion or otherwise. Please let me know how this is being considered in [child’s name]’s circumstances.

Thank you for confirming receipt and the next step.

Yours sincerely,
[parent / carer name]
[contact details]

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Information, not advice

This guide is educational information. It is not legal advice, medical advice or a diagnosis. A qualified professional should advise on individual circumstances.

Notice these signs

A plan with no named person, review date or explanation of how learning will be supported.
A reduced timetable treated as an open-ended arrangement rather than a short, reviewed support measure.
Attendance discussions that do not address your child’s wellbeing, needs or access to education.

Official sources

Always check the live source before relying on a process, deadline or form.

If you need a next step

If concerns remain unresolved, use the school’s complaints route and ask your local SENDIASS for independent information. Where distress is acute or safety is a concern, seek appropriate medical or urgent support straight away.