Unauthorised absence - next steps?

[Whatafustercluck]

Long story but we're currently in the midst of school avoidance with 9yo dd. She masks, has an ehcp but no formal diagnosis (autism assessment is now 3 weeks away). Fully engaged with school, CAMHS, the LA (seeking urgent review of her ehcp), engaging with everyone we need to, seeking support etc.

School are marking her absence as unauthorised. What will this mean for us as we go forward? Should we challenge it? What's likely to happen next?

We had this with DD and absolutely nothing happened.

Yes, you should challenge the unauthorised absences, otherwise there is a risk of threats of fines and prosecution.

If DD is absent due to ill health, the absences must be authorised. Email the school reminding them The Regulations (School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024) make it clear where a pupil is absent because they are unable to attend because of sickness the absence must be regarded as authorised. Also point out DfE’s statutory working together to improve attendance guidance states absence due to illness, physical and mental health related, must be coded as I.

The school should have made a sickness return.

Go on to say that as DD is not receiving an alternative education under s.19 of the Education Act 1996 (and if relevant anything detailed, specified and quantified in F as per s42 of the Children and Families Act 2014) and an early review of the EHCP has not yet been held the school and LA could have done and still can do more to support DD with her needs arising from her disability.

Finish by giving them a reasonable deadline to reply. I would copy in the Director of children’s services at the LA too.

Thank you @2x4greenbrick

The school have changed it to authorised absence, so well worth me challenging it. They've also pushed through an urgent ehcp review with the LA and are pushing ahead with supporting s19 application.

Great news.

I would chase the LA directly about s19 provision too.