The Attendance Service has a statutory obligation on behalf of the London Borough of Sutton to:

  • comply with all its statutory obligations under the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006
  • instigate school attendance orders
  • consider making an application for an Education Supervision Order where appropriate
  • fulfil the local authority’s statutory obligations under Section 444(1) 444(1A) and 444(ZA) of The Education Act 1996 and the Children Act 1989
  • managing penalty notice arrangements

Additional support provided by the Attendance service 

In addition to the statutory support we provide to schools, the Attendance Service enables schools to purchase a bespoke service tailored to their individual needs. The service offer is negotiated between the school/setting and the Attendance Service and can include:

  • improving attendance and punctuality
  • advising on current attendance policies and procedures for ensuring regular and punctual attendance
  • carrying out home visits where appropriate
  • carrying out attendance audits
  • providing half-termly analysis of attendance data including analysis of codes and preparation of half-termly absence graphs
  • identification and monitoring of persistently absent pupils giving advice and guidance on next steps
  • support for all staff in promoting and supporting good attendance to ensure a holistic approach within the school
  • offering advice and guidance via telephone and email
  • representation at attendance panels
  • presentations on the importance of good attendance and potential impact of poor attendance and punctuality e.g. New Intake parent talks, parent evenings
  • keeping schools updated on changes to attendance legislation and guidance
  • support on how to implement good practice and prepare effectively for Ofsted inspections
  • small group tutorials for school staff offering advice and support on attendance including legislation, staged intervention processes and procedures
  • working with pupils and families and providing a seamless service from the point of referral to improvement or statutory legal intervention

How to contact us