Supporting schools to improve attendance and reduce persistent and severe absence

Devon County Council works in partnership with schools, families, and partner agencies to promote high levels of attendance, reduce persistent and severe absence, and ensure all children can access their right to education.

This offer outlines the universal, targeted, and statutory support available to schools.

1. Principles

Our work is underpinned by:

• Early identification and intervention
• Strong school–family partnerships
• Inclusion and safeguarding-first approach
• Data-informed decision making
• Proportionate use of legal intervention

2. Service offer overview

2.1 Universal support (available to all achools)

Provided without referral.

• Termly attendance data analysis and benchmarking through Targeted Support Meetings (TSM)
• Attendance guidance aligned with DfE expectations
• Model policies and procedures
• Advice through a variety of sources including Inclusion Partners, EQI Team Leads, Legal and Proceedings Officers
• The Devon Attendance Network

2.2 Targeted support (early help or preventative)

For pupils or cohorts with emerging concerns.

• Consultation through Targeted Support Meetings
• Support with identifying barriers (for example, EBSA, SEND, safeguarding)
• Parent engagement strategies and meeting attendance
• Brokerage to multi-agency

2.3 Intensive support (persistent or severe absence)

For pupils below 90% attendance or at risk of becoming severely absent.

• Consultation through Targeted Support Meetings
• Support with identifying barriers (for example, EBSA, SEND, safeguarding)
• Parent engagement strategies and meeting attendance
• Brokerage to multi-agency
• Home visits (where appropriate) and direct work with families through Inclusion Support Workers
• Fast-track or legal planning meetings

2.4 Statutory intervention

Where voluntary support has not improved attendance.

• Penalty Notice assessments and processing
• Education Supervision Orders (ESO)
• Prosecution for non-attendance under Section 444 Education Act 1996
• Court representation and case management

3. Roles and responsibilities

Schools will:

• Maintain accurate attendance records
• Implement a robust whole-school attendance strategy
• Identify and respond to absence early
• Engage parents proactively
• Work collaboratively with the Inclusion Partners

Local Authority will:

• Provide advice, guidance, and challenge
• Support schools to meet statutory responsibilities
• Intervene where necessary to safeguard a child’s education
• Use legal powers proportionately and consistently

4. Key priority groups

The service prioritises:

• Persistent absentees (<90%)
• Severely absent pupils (<50%)
• Children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Looked After Children and those with social care involvement
• Children Missing Education (CME)
• Pupils with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

5. Data and reporting

Through a variety of sources, events and meetings, the Local Authority will:

• Provide regular performance reports to schools
• Share insights on trends and gaps
• Contribute to partnership reporting

6. Training and development offer

Available sessions include:

• Understanding attendance law and guidance
• EBSA and trauma-informed approaches
• Effective parental engagement

7. Service standards

We aim to:

• Respond to queries within 5 working days
• Triage referrals within 10 working days
• Provide clear, consistent communication
• Work transparently with schools and families

8. Contact details

Mark Walker

Head of Service – Education, Quality and Inclusion and Countywide Lead for Attendance
Email: mark.walker@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07814778575

9. Review and evaluation

This service offer will be reviewed annually to ensure:

• Alignment with national policy and guidance
• Responsiveness to school feedback
• Effectiveness in improving attendance outcomes