School attendance: improving consistency of support

We’re seeking views on what should be included in measures to improve the consistency of school attendance support and management.

Based on existing good practice of schools, academy trusts and local authorities in managing school attendance, we are seeking views on the following possible measures:

• requiring schools to have an attendance policy, and have regard to statutory guidance on the expectations of schools, academy trusts and governing bodies of maintained schools
• guidance on the expectations of local authority attendance services
• a national framework for attendance legal intervention
• bringing the rules for granting leaves of absence in academies in line with other state-funded schools

These are intended to deliver consistent support for families across England and focus better, targeted, multi-agency support on pupils who need it most.