DfE Clarification of Legislative Expectations
This is the DfE’s position as expressed to two children and their parents who sought to challenge the current legal framework. They have given permission for us to share the information to help other parents who may be going through the same issues.
The letter includes clarifications of DfE expectations in relation to authorising absence from school, and alternative provision if children are unable to attend school.
Square Peg & NFIS wrote to DfE Minister Nick Gibb in 2019 outlining our concerns about practices related to the authorisation of school absence and use of attendance codes. We received this letter in response
DfE Letter to Square Peg NFIS (pdf)
DownloadNFIS LEAFLET 2019 (pdf)
DownloadNFIS IS MY CHILD REALLY FINE IN SCHOOL? (pdf)
DownloadNFIS SIGNS of SCHOOL REFUSAL (pdf)
DownloadNFIS TOP TIPS FOR MEETINGS (pdf)
DownloadNFIS RECORD OF INCIDENTS & ACTIONS TEMPLATE (dotx)
DownloadNFIS FORCING ATTENDANCE (pdf)
DownloadNFIS A MENTAL HEALTH CONVERSATION IS NEEDED (pdf)
DownloadNFIS SCHOOL ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS (MENTAL or PHYSICAL) (pdf)
DownloadNFIS KEY ADVICE (pdf)
DownloadNFIS CONSIDERING HOME EDUCATION (pdf)
DownloadNFIS PROFESSIONALS WORKING TOGETHER (pdf)
DownloadNOT FINE IN SCHOOL Dec2017 (pdf)
DownloadYou can download and amend our model letters to use for your own purposes. You should read the relevant section of the site about each topic first to ensure you understand how and when to use these resources.
The subject of school anxiety is often a source of frustration and conflict between schools and parents. This is unnecessary and unhelpful and does nothing to provide support to the child. Fault finding and a blame culture is not a solution. Over 20 parents, carers, teachers, senior leaders, therapists and others discussed helpful strategies. This article is a summary of the discussion held by #SENexchange in February 2020.
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