National Attendance PortalAttendance is about belonging.
★ Parent & Carer Premium
A–Z • RESPONSIBILITY • SUPPORT • ACTION

The A–Z Guide to Attendance for Parents & Carers.

Twenty-six practical topics. For every letter: what matters, your role as a parent or carer, what school should contribute, a trusted website and a fillable action sheet you can complete, print or save as PDF.

Explore A–ZMy responsibilitiesParent leaflet library
Parent & carer responsibility charter

Your role is active, consistent and collaborative.

This guide makes parental responsibility explicit while recognising that school attendance is often affected by barriers that require school and wider-service action too.

Strong parent practice: report absence promptly; support regular and punctual attendance; establish workable routines; keep school informed; listen to your child; engage with reasonable support; keep key records; attend reviews; and ask early for help with barriers you cannot resolve alone.
Select your nation

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and terminology differ across the UK and can change.

1. Make attendance a daily priorityRegular education, routines and punctuality matter.
2. Report absence honestly and promptlyUse the school procedure and keep it updated.
3. Tell school about barriers earlyHealth, SEND/ALN/ASN, bullying, transport, caring or family pressures.
4. Listen to your childUnderstand what is hard without making absence the automatic solution.
5. Engage with supportAttend meetings, answer reasonable contact and agree practical actions.
6. Do your part of the planBe clear what you can change at home and follow through.
7. Keep a simple recordDates, contacts, evidence, actions, owners and review points.
8. Review impactAsk what changed for your child - not only what adults did.
Premium A–Z

Find the issue. Know your role. Take the next step.

Every action sheet is fillable on screen and stored only in this browser. Use initials or a family reference rather than unnecessary personal information.

Companion reading library

Eight real Parent & Carer leaflets.

These are supporting guides. The A–Z action sheets remain the fillable resources; the leaflets provide quick reading before a meeting or family discussion.

01 • Struggling to attend

Understand what may be getting in the way.

Open PDF →
02 • Talking to school

Prepare for a useful conversation.

Open PDF →
03 • Anxiety / EBSA

Understand distress and supported participation.

Open PDF →
04 • Medical conditions

Explain health impact and support needs.

Open PDF →
05 • Return after absence

Rebuild routine, connection and learning.

Open PDF →
06 • Morning routines

Reduce friction and improve punctuality.

Open PDF →
07 • Belonging & friendships

Explore relationships, bullying and safety.

Open PDF →
08 • When support is not working

Review impact and ask what changes next.

Open PDF →