School First-Attendance and Unexpected-Absence Response Procedure

Use this procedure in maintained and academy primary and secondary schools in England when a newly registered pupil does not attend on the agreed starting day, or when an unexpected and unexplained absence requires follow-up. Apply it in accordance with the school's attendance, welfare and safeguarding arrangements.

1. Confirm the absence

Confirm that the pupil has not attended on the agreed starting day or that the absence is unexpected and unexplained. Identify the pupil's agreed starting day and the relevant attendance record.

2. Follow up the pupil

Follow up the pupil and try to establish the reason for the absence. Use the school's usual contact arrangements, including [school contact method], and make contact with the parent, carer or other appropriate contact recorded for the pupil.

3. Record contact attempts

Record each contact attempt and its outcome in [attendance record system]. Include the pupil's name, the agreed starting day or date of the unexpected absence, the contact method used, the outcome, and any reason for absence established.

4. Respond to welfare or safeguarding concerns

Where contact attempts identify a welfare or safeguarding concern, record the relevant information and follow [school welfare or safeguarding route].

5. Notify the local authority if the pupil cannot be located

If the school is unable to locate the pupil, notify [local authority name] through [local authority notification route]. Record the notification and its outcome in [attendance record system].

6. Close or continue the response

Continue the response in line with the school's attendance, welfare and safeguarding arrangements until the reason for absence has been established or the pupil has been located. Ensure that the contact attempts, outcomes, relevant welfare or safeguarding information and any local-authority notification are recorded.