Your child refuses to go to school

You, as the child’s parent or carer, are legally responsible for making sure your child goes to school regularly and gets to school on time. If not, you may be at risk of prosecution.

If your child refuses to go to school, contact the school in the first place to discuss it with them.

Meeting with the school

Sometimes pupils experience problems at school because of:

• bullying
• learning difficulties
• friendship problems
• relationships with staff
• initial difficulties settling into new situations
• family issues, such as illness or bereavement

It’s important to let your child’s school know about these issues. They can often be managed sensitively and successfully when schools and families work together.

If more support is needed the school may, with your consent, make a referral for further help.

If you speak to the class teacher or form tutor and the issue is not resolved, contact a senior member of school staff. You can also contact our education welfare service for advice and guidance.

If your child is generally beyond your control, contact us for information on support agencies which may be able to help. They can talk to your child to find out why they do not want to go to school and offer family support.

Your child is being bullied

If you think your child is being bullied at school, it’s important to report it. Contact the school and discuss it with them.

All state (not private) schools must have an anti-bullying policy. You can ask the school to give you a copy. If your child is affected by bullying and needs additional support the school may, with your consent, make a referral for further help.

It’s extremely important your child remains in school while the bullying issue is investigated and action taken.

See further information on bullying at school and what you can do about it on GOV.UK.

How our education welfare officers help

Our education welfare officers work with you and the school to try to resolve the causes of poor attendance or absence.

Our officers can offer support by putting you in touch with organisations that can deal with complex or specific problems. This includes problems with drugs, mental health and social difficulties.