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The use of a letter system should be used alongside a range of parent and pupil preventative interventions and is intended to enable schools to continuously and consistently monitor and address poor attendance.

The system offers schools the opportunity to target non-attendance methodically and progressively up to and including the point at which a referral to the local authority may be necessary. The system is based on model letters that can be adapted by schools to be sent to parents when there are concerns about any emerging patterns of absenteeism.

For further information on the letter system please see link below:

2.12 – Attendance Processes – Letter System September 2020

6.1 - Local Authority School Attendance Leaflet March 2024272KBpdf
Size: 272KBFile format: pdf

Sample letters are available below:

5.1 - Attendance Policy Checklist - May 202152KBword
Size: 52KBFile format: word
5.2(a) Example Letter - Authorised Absence Template Letter - May 202130KBword
Size: 30KBFile format: word
5.2(b) Example Letter - Soft Letter - February 202319KBword
Size: 19KBFile format: word
5.2(c) Example Letter - Attendance Concern (unathorised) July 202322KBword
Size: 22KBFile format: word
5.2(d) Example Letter - Invite to PCM Mtg - February 202320KBword
Size: 20KBFile format: word
5.2(e) Example Letter - Failed to attend PCM Mtg – Targets Letter - February 202320KBword
Size: 20KBFile format: word
5.2(f) Example Letter - Late Letter - May 202122KBword
Size: 22KBFile format: word
5.2(g) Example Letter - Suspected Term Time Leave - July 202320KBword
Size: 20KBFile format: word
5.2(h) Example Letter - Negative Response to Term Time Leave Request - July 202320KBword
Size: 20KBFile format: word

Examples of Attendance Policies

5.1 (a) - Primary School Attendance Policy Example40KBword
Size: 40KBFile format: word
5.1 (b) - Secondary School Attendance Policy - Example 147KBword
Size: 47KBFile format: word
5.1 (c) - Secondary School Attendance Policy - Example 254KBword
Size: 54KBFile format: word