The Department for Education classes children with attendance below 90% as persistent absentees. It therefore presents a concern if a pupils’ absence drops below 90% and we have a duty to work with families who fall into this group. We will work together with Attendance Matters (our attendance partner) to put additional targeted support in place to remove any barriers to attendance. This may include some or all of the following –

• Providing attendance information via written communication
• Telephone calls/visits from our attendance lead and/or Attendance Matters
• Meetings with families to discuss parent views and any underlying issues which may be affecting attendance
• Setting targets to help improve attendance
• Where these measures are not successful and all avenues have been exhausted, we may decide to prosecute parents

Please note, we will not authorise absence for children with attendance below 93% unless evidence is provided to support the absence e.g. screenshot of a GP appointment, photo of prescription etc