School Refusal Pathways

These simple visual pathways help parents and educators understand the correct steps to follow when a child struggles to attend school due to anxiety or emotional distress.

Flowchart 1: Parent Pathway –

What to Do When Your Child Cannot Attend

NB: For Scottish residents, please use Scottish-tailored Letter Templates.

1. Child shows distress, anxiety or physical symptoms before school

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2. Keep your child safe & calm
Reduce pressure, validate feelings, and avoid force.

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3. Inform the school
Use Letter 1 to explain the situation.

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4. Contact GP
Record anxiety symptoms / request support.

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5. If school is supportive
A meeting and adjustments should be arranged.

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6. If school is NOT supportive
Use Letters 2, 3 or 4 depending on situation.

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7. Absence due to illness
Use Letter 10 if your child is too unwell to attend.

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8. If school miscodes absences
Use Letter 11 to request corrections.

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9. If pressure, threats or penalties are issued
Use Letter 7 to challenge them.

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10. If child is too unwell to attend for longer-term
Use Letter 6 to request Section 19 education.

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11. If school practices harm your child
Use Letter 12 to file a complaint.

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12. If physical prompting is used
Use Letter 13 to withdraw consent.

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13. If mental health declines further
Use Letter 14 for a safety plan.

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14. Final option (if appropriate)
Use Letter 15 to deregister for home education.

Flowchart 2: Teacher / School Pathway –

How Schools Should Respond

1. Receive report of anxiety or refusal
Log concerns & notify SENCO.

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2. Stop all pressure
No threats, force or punitive approaches.

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3. Authorise absence
Use Code I (Illness).

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4. Contact family
Arrange a supportive meeting.

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5. SENCO involvement
Begin a graduated approach.

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6. Implement reasonable adjustments
Reduced pressure, safe spaces, trusted adult, flexible transitions.

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7. If child is too unwell to attend
Liaise with LA for Section 19 provision.

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8. If parental concerns escalate
Respond to Letters 4, 5, 12 appropriately.

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9. Ensure trauma‑informed practice
No physical prompting; calm, predictable approaches only.

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10. If the child deteriorates emotionally
Create a Mental Health Safety Plan (Letter 14).

School Refusal Support Services
www.schoolrefusal.online