Guidance

Improving the attendance of children with a social worker

Supporting social workers and other practitioners to improve the attendance of children with a social worker.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

This guidance reflects the government’s vision for children’s social care and school attendance. There are separate sections for:

  • social workers and other practitioners
  • senior leaders and practice supervisors

Virtual school heads, family help lead practitioners, and practitioners working in health and the police may also find both sections useful.

Although this is not statutory guidance, it:

  • provides an overview of the relevant statutory requirements
  • includes suggestions for promoting the importance of school attendance

It covers social care groups where a social worker or other practitioner is involved. This includes:

  • children in need
  • children on a protection plan
  • looked-after children or children looked after
  • care leavers
  • young carers

This guidance was created by the Department for Education in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families. It includes case studies from Norfolk County Council and the London Borough of Newham.

Updates to this page

Published 18 March 2026

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