What is the School Attendance Matters Pathway?
This is a way of working in Rotherham between schools, Rotherham Council, and families when school attendance is an issue. The School Attendance Matters Pathway requires schools to consider whether the child or family needs support and how to best put this in place.
The Early Help Assessment is a tool used in Rotherham by all agencies who work with children and families to provide Early Help support. It helps us work with families to understand what support is needed and agree what this will look like. The Early Help Assessment and plan can be completed by any professional working with a child and family, for example a school, health professional, or an Early Help Worker. This will help family and professionals to work together to address barriers to school attendance and other issues the family may be experiencing.
Enforcement will only happen in Rotherham if the School Attendance Matters Pathway has been followed appropriately. If parents and carers refuse support or if the absence is for an unauthorised term time holiday, the School Attendance Matters Pathway must still be followed.
