If attendance does not improve

Schools want to work with you to help your child attend regularly. They will take steps to support you before involving the council.

What the school will do

The school will:

• talk to you about the absence and what is causing it
• agree a plan with you to help your child attend
• review progress with you after a set time
• take next steps if things do not improve

The school may also ask for wider support if needed, such as guidance from the Surrey Attendance Service.

If things still do not get better

If your child’s attendance stays low and support has not helped, the school may ask the council to take further action.

This could include:

• a penalty notice (fine)
• prosecution in court

The school should explain these steps to you clearly before anything happens.

If your child may not be receiving an education

If the school or the council are concerned that your child is not receiving an education — for example, if they do not have a school place or have stopped attending — they will contact you and offer support.

This is to make sure your child is safely in education and getting the learning they are entitled to.

Files available to download

• Children Missing Education (CME) Policy - February 2025 (PDF)
  Assisting all schools and other professionals who work with children and families within Surrey to meet statutory duties relating to children missing education