Teacher & Educators' Guidance


This page is designed to support teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff, attendance teams, and school leaders in responding appropriately when a parent submits one of the SRSS letters. It outlines recommended actions, trauma‑informed practice, and relevant legal duties.

Understanding School Refusal.


School Refusal is a severe form of anxiety that prevents a child from attending school. It is not a behaviour issue or a parenting concern. Children experiencing School Refusal are not choosing to stay home—they are experiencing genuine, overwhelming distress.


Key Points

  • School Refusal is an emotional-based difficulty, often linked to anxiety, trauma, sensory needs, or neurodiversity.
  • Pressure, punishment, or threats of sanctions increase anxiety and escalate symptoms.
  • Support should be trauma‑informed, flexible, and compassionate.
  • Mental health needs may meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010.



How to Respond When You Receive an SRSS Parent Letter


Below is a summary of what each of our letter templates means which our made available to parents and the recommended school response.


Letter 1 – Initial Update About Anxiety

  • Record the concern and notify SENCO.
  • Arrange a supportive meeting with the family.
  • Begin adjustments and authorise absence appropriately.


Letter 2 – Acknowledgement of Mental Health Needs

  • Recognise the child’s mental health need formally.
  • Start SEN Support if not already in place.
  • Adapt expectations and ensure flexible approaches.


Letter 3 – Response to Attendance Warnings

  • Pause escalation immediately.
  • Review attendance coding.
  • Avoid punitive approaches.


Letter 4 – Escalation to Senior Leadership

  • A senior leader should take responsibility.
  • Review the case and offer a new support plan.


Letter 5 – Formal Complaint

  • Follow the official complaints policy.
  • Investigate staff actions.
  • Provide written outcomes and next steps.


Letter 6 – Section 19 LA Request

  • Notify the Local Authority immediately.
  • Provide home/online learning while awaiting provision.


Letter 7 – Challenge to Attendance Warnings

  • Review and amend attendance codes.
  • Withdraw warnings or penalty notices.


Letter 8 – Request for Reasonable Adjustments

  • Meet with SENCO.
  • Implement legally required reasonable adjustments.


Letter 9 – EHCP Needs Assessment Request

  • Provide evidence to the LA.
  • Continue SEN Support.


Letter 10 – Child Too Unwell To Attend

  • Authorise illness-related absence.
  • Liaise with LA for alternative education.


Letter 11 – Incorrect Attendance Codes

  • Correct wrongly coded absences.
  • Ensure staff understand illness coding for mental health.


Letter 12 – Harmful Practices Complaint

  • Investigate immediately.
  • Consider training for staff involved.
  • Review behaviour and attendance procedures.


Letter 13 – Withdrawal of Consent for Physical Prompting

  • Cease all physical guidance or force immediately.
  • Brief all relevant staff.
  • Adopt non‑physical, supportive alternatives.


Letter 14 – Mental Health Safety Planning

  • Arrange an urgent meeting.
  • Agree triggers, calming strategies, safe spaces, and trusted adults.


Letter 15 – Deregistration

  • Remove child from roll immediately.
  • Notify the Local Authority.



Trauma‑Informed Practice for School Refusal


Effective responses focus on safety, connection, and understanding.

  • Prioritise emotional safety over attendance pressure.
  • Avoid punitive or forceful strategies.
  • Use co‑regulation: calm tone, predictable support, reassurance.
  • Identify triggers and early warning signs.
  • Offer flexible transitions and reduced demands.


Legal Duties Summary for Schools

  • Equality Act 2010: Duty to make reasonable adjustments and avoid discrimination.
  • SEND Code of Practice (2015): Graduated approach & support for SEMH needs.
  • Children & Families Act 2014: Right to EHC Needs Assessment.
  • Education Act 1996, Section 19: LA duty to provide education when a child is too unwell to attend.


Other information:


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Access the Help & Links on this website to understand where the Law stands