School attendance and absence

​About The Education (Jersey) Law 1999

​Going to school every day gives children the best chance to succeed and prepares them for future opportunities.

The Education (Jersey) Law 1999 states that parents must make sure children of compulsory school age receive full‑time education. 

This education must be appropriate to the children’s: 

• age
• ability
• aptitude
• special educational needs

Parents can meet this duty through regular school attendance or by providing suitable alternative education.

Regular attendance is important. Children who miss school often are more likely to have poorer outcomes and fewer opportunities later in life.

Education (Jersey) Law 1999

School Attendance Policy​​

How you can support your child with attendance

You can help your child attend regularly by:

• talking positively about school and getting them there on time every day
• telling the school on the first day if your child cannot attend
• contacting the school straight away if any difficulties arise
• making sure your child has what they need, such as uniform, lunch and learning equipment

If your child is unwell (sickness absence)

If your child is unwell:

• follow health guidance for their symptoms and update the school daily
• encourage them to attend if they feel only slightly unwell and tell the school
• ask the school for advice if you’re unsure whether they should attend

Term-time holidays

You should avoid booking holidays in term time whenever possible.

If you need to request term‑time absence:

1. speak to your child’s Headteacher and send a written request
2. the Headteacher will decide whether the request is authorised

The Education Welfare Team

The Education Welfare Team is part of the Central Education Team within​ CYPES.

The team includes Education Welfare Officers (EWOs) based in secondary schools, with others supporting primary schools and colleges.

EWOs work with children, families and partner agencies to promote good attendance and punctuality.

What Education Welfare Officers do

If a school is concerned about your child’s attendance or punctuality, they will contact you first.

If attendance does not improve, the school may ask an EWO to get involved. The EWO will contact you to arrange a meeting at home or in school to explore any barriers. Your child will be able to take part in planning and agreeing actions where appropriate.

How EWOs work with your child

EWOs gather information and may:

• work directly with your child and family
• talk with the school to understand the background
• consult with other professionals with your permission
• carry out wellbeing assessments
• signpost you to support services
• take part in multi‑agency meetings
• refer the case to an attendance panel if progress stalls

Children missing from education

Children missing from education are children of compulsory school age who are not registered at a school and not receiving suitable alternative education, such as Elective Home Education.

Contact the Education Welfare Team if you have concerns or queries about CME.

Applying for a school

Find out how to apply for a school place, including moving schools or applying for a place mid‑year.

Applying for a school​

Home schooling (Elective Home Education)

Some parents choose to educate their child at home, this is called Elective Home Education. 

You must tell the Education Department if you decide to home educate.

Home schooling (Elective Home Education)​​