Improving school attendance
The Lincolnshire model for improving school attendance aligns with the Family Help approach, recognising that non-attendance is often a symptom of underlying need. As such, assessment focuses on identifying the root causes of absence in order to inform appropriate and targeted support.
This model also reflects established safeguarding processes, where non-attendance is recognised as a potential indicator of risk. Patterns of absence may therefore contribute to the identification of need and, where appropriate, trigger further assessment or referral.
In line with this approach, legal intervention will not be considered by the local authority unless schools and wider services have undertaken a full assessment of need, including the use of an Early Help Assessment where appropriate, and have made sustained attempts to engage the child and their family. This ensures that all supportive and preventative approaches have been fully explored before escalation to enforcement.