Attendance contracts

An attendance contract is a formal agreement between a school, a parent or carer, and sometimes the pupil, designed to improve a child's school attendance. Its purpose is to clearly set out expectations, responsibilities, and support strategies to help the child attend school regularly.

The process usually begins when a pupil's attendance becomes a concern, and earlier support has not led to improvement. During a meeting, all parties discuss the reasons for absence and agree on specific actions—such as attending school every day for a set period, attending support sessions, or providing medical evidence for absences.

The contract is reviewed regularly, and if attendance does not improve, it may lead to further intervention, including legal action. However, the main goal is to work together to remove barriers and support the child's return to consistent education.