Independent signposting for adults supporting under-18s. Not clinically reviewed; legal information has not had specialist legal review. How we use sources.
Find out what is difficult
Ask about particular times, places or experiences: arriving, lessons, noise, friendships or feeling unsafe. They may find writing or drawing easier than answering questions. Avoid assuming this is simply a choice not to attend or that you already know the cause.
YoungMinds' school anxiety guide for parents has fuller advice on understanding difficulties and working with school.
What to ask school
- Who will be our named contact, and who can our child go to during the day?
- What have you noticed, and what support or changes could we try?
- How will we record the plan, stay in contact and review it?
- How will missed learning and any additional support needs be addressed?
Keep notes of conversations and agreed actions. Tell the school about absence using its reporting process and ask how it is being recorded. If there is bullying or a safety concern, raise that explicitly with the appropriate school lead. Seek GP advice about health concerns alongside school support.
Attendance rules depend on where you live
This page does not decide whether an absence must be authorised, whether a fine is lawful or what education provision your child is entitled to. Ask the school or relevant education authority for the written reason and applicable policy if you disagree. Get advice promptly about any notice or deadline.
- England: attendance and absence and mental health and attendance guidance.
- Wales: Welsh Government attendance guidance.
- Scotland: Scottish Government guidance on education during ill health.
- Northern Ireland: nidirect's attendance and absence guidance.
England's attendance rules, fine amounts and SEND processes must not be assumed to apply elsewhere. This release signposts official guidance rather than offering individual legal advice.
Keep the mental health support moving too
GP, school, CAMHS and what to do while waiting. If the strain is affecting your own health, get support for yourself.
Sources and review status
Scope: adults supporting a child or teenager under 18 in the UK. NHS urgent-help guidance governs emergency actions; nation-specific NHS and statutory sources govern local routes. YoungMinds adds supporter conversation and service-navigation advice.
- YoungMinds: school anxiety and attendance difficulties
- England: mental health and attendance
- England: attendance and absence
- Wales: attendance guidance
- Scotland: education during ill health
- Northern Ireland: attendance and absence
Last full source check: 12 October 2026
This is a source and signposting check, not clinical approval or a specialist legal review. Local service eligibility and availability must be checked with the provider.
Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.
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