What happens if my child is not attending school regularly?
If your child is diagnosed with a long-term illness and not able to attend school, contact your child's school to inform them. They will be able to advise on what arrangements can be made while your child is unable to attend.
If your child is not attending school regularly for other reasons:
- the school may refer the matter to the Stronger Families Hub to investigate the barriers causing poor attendance
- you may be invited to an attendance panel meeting by a participation officer to discuss the concern and a plan will then be made to agree actions, and a review date will be set
If your child's attendance does not improve, legal sanctions can be taken, including the issuing of a penalty notice or a summons to court for the offence.
Pay a school attendance fine
Post 16 education, employment and training
If you are (or you are supporting) a young person over compulsory school age who is not in education, employment and/or training (NEET), there's a range of local providers and programmes available to help young people who are not in education, employment or training.
Find out more about post 16 education, employment and training
About the participation team
Our participation team supports young people and children to access their right to full-time education, working with schools and families to ensure that children are attending their schools regularly.
If you are having difficulties ensuring your child is in full-time education, please speak with your child's school as soon as possible, as many issues are resolved this way. If you are unable to do so, please email participationteam@hillingdon.gov.uk or call 01895 250858.
If you're a school, resident or other agency wanting to discuss a concern about a child not attending school regularly, please make a referral via our Stronger Families Hub.
Useful information