School Absence Reason Enquiry and Code N Procedure

This procedure applies where [school name] is a maintained or academy primary or secondary school in England and an absence is unexplained or unexpected.

1. Follow up the absence

Follow up every unexplained and unexpected absence in a timely manner. Make every effort to establish the reason for the pupil’s absence.

2. Record Code N at register close

If the reason for the absence has not been established before the register closes, record the absence as Code N. Code N means that the reason for absence has not yet been established.

3. Update the absence code when the reason is established

When the reason for an absence recorded as Code N is ascertained, enter the correct absence code as soon as the reason is established and no more than five school days after the session.

4. Amend Code N to Code O after five school days

If the reason for the absence cannot be established within five school days after the session, amend the pupil’s record from Code N to Code O. Do not leave Code N on the pupil’s attendance record indefinitely.

5. Apply the Code O condition

Use Code O where no reason for the absence is established, or where the school is not satisfied that the reason should be recorded using one of the codes statistically classified as authorised. Code O is classified for statistical purposes as unauthorised absence.