School attendance codes: guidance

Ensuring that every pupil in Wales has the opportunity to attend school regularly is a key priority for the Welsh Government. Accurate recording is essential to understanding patterns of attendance, supporting pupils, and improving outcomes.

The Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010 set out the framework for how schools record attendance.

The revisions to the attendance codes will ensure they are clear, relevant, and support consistent application across all schools in Wales and ensure that our attendance recording system continues to meet the needs of pupils, schools, and communities across Wales.

The legislative basis for Welsh Government collating data on attendance codes is identified within the Education Act 1996 (sections 537A and 538) together with Schedule 2(16) of the Education (Information about individual pupils) (Wales) Regulations 2007.

Although the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2024 do not set out detailed requirements for attendance recording, independent schools are expected to comply with the pupil registration regulations, which establish the statutory framework for maintaining admission and attendance registers. Consequently, independent schools are required to meet the registration and attendance recording requirements set out in the 2010 Regulations.

The following relevant legislation also provides for the provision of and recording of information:

• Regulation 4 of the 2007 Regulations sets out that information listed in Schedule 2 is to be provided by maintained schools to their local authorities.
• Regulation 5 of the 2007 Regulations lists the prescribed persons the information can be provided to.
• Regulation 6 of the Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010 prescribes the contents of the attendance register.

The Welsh Government introduced new attendance codes in 2010 and there has been no revision of the codes since then. Following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been a rise in pupils being educated remotely and it continues to have an impact on the overall approach towards the importance of school attendance.

In response, and as part of the proposed revisions, Welsh Government officials have engaged with local authority officers to review the existing codes in light of technological developments and evolving delivery models. The consultation on the codes ran for 6 weeks, ending on 26 March 2026. The consultation developed in collaboration with wider educational partners aiming to:

• consider the deficiencies in the current set of codes and guidance notes
• produce a revised and comprehensive list of codes
• produce accompanying guidance on the codes

This document sets out the list of updated codes for use in all schools in Wales.

Our rationale for revisiting the attendance codes is as follows:

• they have now been in place since 2010
• to respond to reasons for absence following the COVID-19 pandemic
• to provide local authorities and schools with clarity in relation to online learning
• to ensure that the Welsh Government position is clear and that attendance information is recorded consistently across Wales

We have worked with school software suppliers to facilitate the hard coding of the codes into school software packages used to record attendance.

The revision of the codes will also allow greater potential for exploring further the reasons why pupils are absent, improving the safeguarding and tracking of pupils and in turn allow schools and local authorities to put in place strategies to deal effectively with specific barriers to attendance.

The use of parents throughout the document refers to parents, carers and guardians.

The current legislation can be found in the Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010 and the changes that have been made in line with these regulations and will require no amendments. The purpose of the Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010 is to ensure that pupils are accurately registered and that schools maintain accurate records of attendance.

The majority of the changes represent a more detailed categorisation of the current codes. There is one change which will affect the classification of attendance as present or authorised or unauthorised absence. This is that the D1 code will now signify not being required to attend as opposed to being dual registered (which was an approved educational activity).

We have maintained the 5 existing statistical categories which are outlined in the following table.

Schools will still be required to put pupils on the admissions register on the first day that they expect the pupil to attend from previous agreement or notification and not when they first attend

If a pupil does not return to school following a leave of absence, the school and the local authority are still required to ascertain where that pupil is. If both the school and the local authority fail, after reasonable enquiry, to ascertain where the pupil is, and the failure to return to school exceeds 10 days, the school may delete the pupil’s name from the admissions register. Previously, there was no requirement to try and ascertain where the pupil was.

A school is still able to delete a pupil’s name from the admissions register on the ground that the pupil has an unauthorised absence of at least 20 school days; and the school has no reason to believe that the pupil cannot attend due to sickness or other unavoidable cause and both the school and the local authority have failed after reasonable enquiry to ascertain where the pupil is. Previously the period of unauthorised absence was for 4 weeks rather than 20 school days and there was no requirement that the school had no reason to believe that the pupil could not attend due to sickness or unavoidable cause.

If a pupil has been detained under a court order of custody lasting at least 4 months and the school does not have reasonable grounds to believe that the pupil will return at the end of that period, the school can still delete the name of the pupil from the register. Previously, a pupil‘s name could be deleted from the register if he or she had been absent for 4 weeks and had been detained by court order.

The requirement remains that schools must inform their local authority when a pupil’s name is deleted from the register. The school must inform the local authority as soon as the grounds for deletion are met and before deleting the pupil’s name. As well as the previous requirement where parents elect to educate their own children, the requirement now applies to deletions where a pupil has:

• ceased to attend the school and no longer lives at a reasonable distance from the school (this does not apply to pupils who are boarders)
• been certified by the school medical officer as unlikely to be in a fit state of health to attend school before ceasing to be of compulsory school age, and neither he nor his parent has indicated to the school that he intends to continue with his education beyond the compulsory school age
• been detained in custody for not less than 4 months, and the school has reasonable grounds to believe that the pupil will not return to the school following his detention
• been permanently excluded from the school

Where a school register is kept on computer, the school must ensure that it produces a back-up copy of the register, either electronically or on microfiche or in print at least once a month. Previously, the back-up copy had to be in printed format.

Present: /\ and L

There are no changes being made to the definition of these codes but the use and additional information in relation to the codes has been revised.

Approved educational activity: B, B1, B2, J, P1, P2, V and W

There are changes with code B1 being used where pupils are provided with education online by the local authority, and code B2 being used where pupils are provided with education online by the school, following agreement by a local authority panel. Another change is that code D1 (dual registered) is now no longer categorised as an approved educational activity and has been changed to categorise D1 as no longer required to attend.

Previously when a pupil was dual registered both registers had to mirror each other; it is now not the case with the school using code D1 on the days that the pupil is scheduled to be on roll elsewhere and attendance and any absences being recorded by the other school or PRU on the days the pupil is scheduled to attend.

There are changes that code P is subdivided into the following codes: P1 (approved sporting activity) and P2 (approved performing activity). The use and additional information in all the approved educational categories has been revised.

Authorised absence: C1, C2, C3, C4, F, H, I1, I2, M, S, E, R and T

There are changes to the code C for authorised absence which is now subdivided into the following categories:

• C1: other authorised circumstances (not covered by another appropriate code or description for exceptional circumstances)
• C2: an authorised absence for a paid performance
• C3: an authorised absence where a headteacher has agreed to a parental request for their child to be flexi schooled
• C4: an authorised absence for a reduced timetable

The illness code I is also subdivided into I1 and I2, which would allow schools to code for both physical and non-physical illnesses. The use and additional information in the previous I code has been revised in conjunction with the separation into the 2 distinct categories (I1 and I2).

Unauthorised absence: N, O, G and U

There have been no changes made to the definition of these codes but the use and additional information in relation to the codes has been revised.

Not required to attend: D1, X, Y1, Y2, Z and #

There are changes here with D1 (dual registered) proposed to no longer being categorised as an approved educational activity but now categorised as no longer required to attend. The Y code which previously signified a school closure has been subdivided into Y1 and Y2, to enable local authorities and Welsh Government to have a greater understanding of the reasons behind school closures. The use and additional information in the previous code Y has been revised in conjunction with the separation into the 2 distinct categories (Y1 and Y2).

This guidance will provide assistance to schools (including independent schools) and local authorities in the use of codes to record pupil attendance and absence in schools. It relates to attendance at statutory morning and afternoon registration sessions and replaces the technical completion notes for schools which support the primary and secondary school attendance return.

Schools are required to be open to pupils for 190 days in an academic year or 380 sessions (half days) by the Education (School Day and School Year) (Wales) Regulations 2003 as amended. The purpose of the Education (School Day and School Year) (Wales) Regulations 2003 is to establish the framework for the structure of school days and school years in Wales. These regulations ensure that schools meet for at least 380 sessions during any school year, which is divided into two sessions with a break in the middle. This structure is designed to provide a minimum number of sessions for students to attend school, ensuring that they receive a full education.

The guidance may be used in conjunction with systems to record attendance in ‘lesson by lesson’ systems, but schools may find that they need to record other reasons in this type of system.

However, where such systems are used and the first lesson in the morning or any session in the afternoon after the lunch break is used to substitute for the morning and afternoon registration, then the codes in this guidance note must be used for those sessions. The guidance should be used in conjunction with the Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010.

The Welsh Government believes that these codes are best used within electronic systems for recording attendance and absence of pupils. Such electronic systems are capable of producing the data necessary for absence returns to the Welsh Government without time consuming counting up of possible attendances and actual absences.

The revision of attendance codes will assist schools, local authorities and Welsh Government in monitoring not only whether pupils are absent with or without the permission of the school, but why pupils are absent from school. They can use this information to formulate interventions to address deteriorating attendance, poor attendance, persistent absence and other issues that the data provides.

As outlined previously, the recommended codes are grouped under the following 5 statistical categories:

• Present.
• Approved educational activity (marked as present).
• Authorised absence.
• Unauthorised absence.
• Not required to attend.

Revised attendance codes

1.1 Registration code: /\

The registration code /\ is used to show that a pupil was present in school during school registration. The code has 2 elements with ‘/’ meaning a pupil was present in morning registration and ‘\’ meaning they were present in the afternoon. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Pupils should not be marked present if they were not in school during registration. Activities outside the school day should not be recorded as present at registration period for a session during the school day. This would erroneously make it appear that the pupil attended lessons during that session which could have unwanted consequences.

Pupils who are present at facilities or provision in school other than mainstream lessons, such as learning support units and internal exclusion rooms, are recorded in the same way as other pupils. This means schools should use the normal codes for present if the pupils are present at registration and the appropriate code for absence if they are absent.

If a pupil were to leave the school premises after registration they would still be counted as present for statistical purposes.

As outlined in The Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010, the afternoon registration must take place at the start or during the session, not at the end of the previous session or during the break between sessions. For clarity, the afternoon session would be the first session after the last lunch break as opposed to a session which is scheduled for the afternoon (pm) but takes place before the lunch break. For health and safety and safeguarding reasons, schools need to be aware of where pupils are, particularly those leaving or arriving on the premises during a session. This might be achieved through a paper system in the school office, such as requiring pupils to sign in and out to record that a pupil has arrived at or left the school premises during the session. Systems such as ‘lesson monitoring’ can also help schools identify pupils who are missing from lessons. Schools should ensure that these paper entries are made into the school’s management system as soon as possible.

Schools may wish to have additional codes in their ‘lesson monitoring’ systems to record where pupils are when they are not in mainstream lessons. This is acceptable but these additional codes cannot be fed into the school census system.

The Welsh Government advises schools should close the register to pupils no later than 30 minutes after the register was taken.

Under the Education (School Day and School Year) (Wales) Regulations 2003 schools can set different session times for different pupils such as during public examinations.

For safeguarding and educational reasons, schools must follow up all unexplained and unexpected absence in a timely manner, such as through ‘First Day Response Procedures’.

1.2 Registration code: L

The registration code L is used if a pupil arrives after the registration session has started but before the register closes. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Regulations outline that the attendance register should be taken at the commencement of each morning session and once during each afternoon session (after the last lunch break as opposed to a session which is scheduled for the afternoon (pm) but takes place before the lunch) and Welsh Government advises registers should remain open for 30 minutes.

Where schools set different session times, they should close the register 30 minutes after the register was taken for any pupils attending any internal provision.

For example:

• if the main school day starts at 8.30am the register for the main school should close at 9.00am and the attendance of a pupil arriving after 9.00am should be recorded with code U)
• if the internal provision starts at 9.30am the register for the internal provision should close at 10.00am and the attendance of a pupil arriving after 10.00am should be recorded with code U)

Schools should actively discourage and identify patterns of late arrival.

For safeguarding and educational reasons, schools must follow up all unexplained and unexpected absence in a timely manner, such as through ‘First Day Response Procedures’.

2.1 Registration code: B

The registration code B is used where a registered pupil on roll is currently being educated off-site at a supervised activity approved by the school. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This code can be used for all pupils, who are present at educational provision arranged by the school which is not taking place in the school. This code cannot be used where learning has been agreed to be delivered online. This should be covered by code B1 if remote online learning is delivered by the local authority for pupils who cannot attend school-based provision and code B2 if remote online learning is delivered by the school where it has been agreed by a local authority panel that online learning is appropriate.

Examples of when this code would be used are:

• pupils attending another school as ‘guest pupils’ (note a pupil who attends another school as part of a regular pattern must be dual registered – see code D1)
• pupils accessing a junior apprenticeship course or attending vocational courses at college
• pupils attending educational provision arranged by the school, as part of the school’s curriculum or as part of the school’s broader learning offer (where this is delivered in person and not delivered online) and
• pupils undertaking work placement as part of the school’s curriculum or as part of the school’s broader learning offer

Note: pupils undertaking work experience under section 560 of the Education Act 1996 should be recorded under code W. Section 560 of the Education Act 1996 pertains to the prohibition or regulation of the employment of children. It states that the enactments relating to the prohibition or regulation of the employment of children shall not apply to the employment of a child in his last two years of compulsory schooling if the employment is in pursuance of arrangements made by a local authority or the governing body of a school on behalf of such an authority, with a view to providing him with work experience as a part of his education.

For educational and safeguarding reasons, schools should ensure that they have in place arrangements whereby any provider delivering provision ‘off-site’ can notify the school on a twice daily basis in line with school’s registration periods of any attendance or absence by individual pupils so that the school can record the pupil attendance or absence using the relevant absence code.

Approved educational activity must be supervised by someone approved and quality assured by the school. It must also take place during the session for which the mark is recorded.

Code B can only be used where the activity takes place in person and is delivered by a facilitator approved by the school for example including but not restricted to youth workers, support staff, tutors or another teacher.

This could also include cover where tuition has been arranged by the organisation employing the child via a paid performance. Pupils not attending school in person and receiving online education delivered by the local authority which is agreed to be appropriate by a local authority panel should be coded B1. Similarly, pupils not attending school in person and receiving online education delivered by the school which is agreed to be appropriate by a local authority panel should be coded B2.

When schools should not use code B

This code must not be used when pupils are attending provision on the school’s premises for example, inclusion provision.

Schools should not use code B for sessions where there is no provision if a pupil has an agreed part-time timetable as part of reintegration or transition. The school are authorising the absence for the sessions that the pupil is not required to be in school and the pupil should be recorded using code C4 for those sessions.

Schools should not use this code to record study leave. Study leave is unsupervised time away from school for pupils to prepare for their public examinations and many pupils treat such time as extra holidays and do not study. As a result, study leave does not meet the legal definition of approved educational activity. Code S must be used for study leave.

Schools should not use this code to record pupil review days if pupils are simply sent home with homework and private study. Like study leave it is unsupervised and can be treated as an extra holiday by pupils. It therefore would not meet the legal definition of approved educational activity. The code can be used where schools arranged supervised, off-site educational activities to replace the normal lessons whilst review interviews are held.

2.2 Registration code: B1

The registration code B1 is used when pupils are being provided with online learning by a local authority or where local authorities have an EOTAS agreement which enables schools to deliver this on their behalf. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Each local authority should have clear aims of supporting these pupils and enabling them to return in person to school. The local authority should have an EOTAS policy which outlines how this cohort of pupils will be supervised and supported. The school should work with the local authority to determine whether EOTAS provision should be considered.

A pupil that is unable to attend school due to wellbeing reasons and is being provided with online learning either by the local authority (or by the school where the local authority has formalised EOTAS provision agreements in place with the school) as part of an agreed local authority approach on the understanding that online provision is for the shortest possible period of time and the aim is to reintegrate the pupil back to full time attendance.

Synchronous online learning should not be used for pupils where behaviour or repeated exclusion is the main barrier to learning, these pupils should be referred to the local authority provisions such as PRU or EOTAS where they can be supported in a physical setting benefitting from interaction and support from staff experienced in working with pupils who present with challenging behaviour.

The pupil and the parent must consent before a referral is made to a local authority panel (and any existing or previous safeguarding concerns taken into consideration and scrutinised before an agreement to provide online learning is reached). In the case where a care experienced pupil is being offered online provision then the consent would be provided by whoever has parental responsibility (in some cases this would be the local authority, and the social worker would need to be consulted and in agreement that a synchronous online approach is appropriate).

Where the local authority deem that online learning is the most appropriate provision, they must ensure that the appropriate ICT infrastructure and advice in line with LA or school policies on internet access and responsible use is in place. Where this is delivered by any independent provider this must be quality assured by the local authority and the independent provider must be made aware of any relevant Welsh Government or local authority guidance in this area.

The local authority or school must clearly convey expectations to the pupil and parent in that the camera must be on at all times for the learning to be deemed synchronous in order for the approved educational activity mark to be recorded and ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are being met.

The local authority or school must consider any current or previous safeguarding concerns, and online learning must not be provided where these concerns cannot be safely mitigated.

2.3 Registration code: B2

The registration code B2 is used where a registered pupil on roll is currently being educated off-site at a supervised activity approved by the school. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Each school should have clear aims of supporting these pupils and enabling them to return in person to school. The school should work with the local authority to ensure that any pupil they wish to put forward for online learning provision is discussed and agreed by an appropriate local authority panel.

Where a pupil is unable to attend school due to wellbeing reasons and is being provided with online learning by the school and is unable to return to school (and meets the local authority’s EOTAS referral criteria) then the school should refer to the local authority for formalised EOTAS provision for the shortest possible period of time with the aim of reintegrating the pupil back to full time attendance.

Synchronous online learning should not be used for pupils where behaviour or repeated exclusion is the main barrier to learning, these pupils should be referred to the local authority provisions such as PRU or EOTAS where they can be supported in a physical setting benefitting from interaction and support from staff experienced in working with pupils who present with challenging behaviour.

The pupil and the parent must consent before a referral is made to a local authority panel (and any existing or previous safeguarding concerns taken into consideration and scrutinised before an agreement to provide online learning is reached). In the case where a care experienced pupil is being offered online provision then the consent would be provided by whoever has parental responsibility (in some cases this would be the local authority, and the social worker would need to be consulted and in agreement that a synchronous online approach is appropriate).

Where the school deems that online learning is the most appropriate provision, they must ensure that the appropriate ICT infrastructure and advice in line with local authority or school policies on internet access and responsible use is in place.

The school must clearly convey expectations to the pupil and parent in that the camera must be on at all times for the learning to be deemed synchronous in order for the approved educational activity mark to be recorded and ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are being met.

The local authority or school must consider any current or previous safeguarding concerns, and online learning must not be provided where these concerns cannot be safely mitigated.

2.4 Registration code: J

The registration code J is used for interviews with prospective employers, or another educational establishment. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This code should be used to record time spent in interviews with prospective employers or for a place at another school, a further or higher education establishment or an apprenticeship programme or training provider.

The school should be satisfied that the interview is linked to future education or employment prospects, and the school staff should normally ask for advance notice and proof of the appointment.

Evidence of any interview should be provided and documented to ensure that the pupil is recorded as attending an approved educational activity.

2.5 Registration code: P1

The registration code P1 is used if the pupil is participating in an approved sporting activity. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

The activity must be supervised by a person authorised on their behalf by the headteacher at the school. The pupil must be taking part in the activity. Spectating at events such as following the local football club and sporting victory parades must not be treated as approved educational activity. If schools have concerns about the appropriateness of an activity they can seek advice from the sports’ national governing body. However, the final decision rests with the headteacher of the school and they should take the effect on the pupil’s general education into account.

Approved educational activity must be supervised by someone approved by the school. It must take place within the session for which the mark is recorded.

Absence due to travelling time to and from competitions should be recorded with code C1 (if agreed by the school).

2.6 Registration code: P2

The registration code P2 is used if the pupil is participating in an unpaid child performance. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

The activity must be supervised by a person authorised on their behalf by the headteacher at the school. The pupil must be taking part in the activity.

If schools have concerns about the appropriateness of an activity, they can seek advice from the local authority officer who is responsible for issuing performance licenses. Schools should satisfy themselves that the organiser has appropriate supervision arrangements, risk assessments, and child protection measures in place before agreeing to release pupils to participate.

Approved educational activity must be supervised by someone approved by the school. It must take place within the session for which the mark is recorded. However, the final decision rests with the headteacher of the school, and they should take the effect on the pupil’s general education into account.

Absence due to travelling time to and from rehearsals should be recorded with code C1 (if agreed by the school).

2.7 Registration code: V

The registration code V is used for school organised trips and visits, including residential trips and school transition days. Can also be used for other trips of a strictly educational nature, which are arranged by other organisations, provided they are supervised by a person authorised by the headteacher. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Approved educational activity must be supervised by someone from the school or supervised by a person authorised by the headteacher. For example, including but not restricted to youth workers, support staff, tutors or another teacher. It must also take place during the session for which the mark is recorded.

When the school is arranging transition days, the school must ensure the register is taken at the school or by a teacher from the school where the pupil is on roll.

2.8 Registration code: W

The registration code W is used for Work experience under section 560 of the Education Act. Schools must ensure that they check on the attendance of the pupil at the work experience placement and mark the register accordingly. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Work experience is for pupils in the last two years of compulsory schooling. A pupil shall be taken to be in their last year of compulsory schooling from the beginning of the term at their school which precedes the beginning of the school year in which they would cease to be of compulsory school age.

Work experience that routinely forms as part of an organised educational arrangement taking place off-site should not be recorded with this code and should be coded using code B.

3.1 Registration code: C1

The registration code C1 is agreed circumstances at the discretion of the school. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information: exceptional circumstances warranting leave of absence

These examples are provided for illustration and do not constitute an exhaustive list.

Only exceptional circumstances warrant leave of absence. Schools should consider each request individually taking the following into account:

• the nature of the event for which leave is sought
• its frequency (is it a one-off, or likely to become a regular occurrence)
• whether the parent gave advance notice
• the pupil’s overall attendance pattern

Examples might include special circumstances such as:

• attending the wedding of a family member
• family bereavement
• prison visits
• young carers (in a genuine crisis a school can approve absence for a child to care for a relative until other arrangements can be made but the school should set a time limit for the absence and set some schoolwork, so the pupil does not fall behind while at home)
• birth of a child – (support should be directed to keeping the pupil in school wherever possible, and to return the pupil to full-time education as soon as possible after the birth with appropriate support). A pupil who becomes pregnant should be allowed no more than 18 weeks authorised absence to cover the time immediately before and after the birth of the child. The school should refer the pupil for EOTAS provision if they are unable to return to school to provide support and intervention
• unable to attend because pupil is subject to a sentence of detention (NB that the pupil has been detained in pursuance of a final order made by a court or of an order of recall made by a court or the Secretary of State, that order being for a period of not less than 4 months, and the proprietor does not have reasonable grounds to believe that the pupil will return to the school at the end of that period). Schools are expected to communicate with the pupil’s Youth Offending Team worker while the pupil is in custody and remains on the school roll to discuss the pupil’s educational needs, progress and return to the school upon their release where appropriate. Education is a key part of effective resettlement; therefore, it is important that schools maintain contact with the Youth Offending Team throughout the sentence to support the child's resettlement where appropriate
• where pupils are of statutory school age but attending year 12 provision and following post GCSE courses then any sessions where they are not required to attend school should be covered by the 'code C1' not the ‘code X’

For example, if a year 11 pupil was following A-level provision, then any sessions where they were not required to attend would be recorded with code C1.

3.2 Registration code: C2

The registration code C2 is agreed circumstances at the discretion of the school. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Where a pupil is absent because they are taking part in a paid performance, it is still the school which decides whether to authorise the absence, even if the pupil is employed under a license issued by the local authority.

Where the organisation employing the pupil evidence that they are providing the pupil with education provision in person whilst they are on set, this could be coded using code B, B1 or B2.

3.3 Registration code: C3

The registration code C3 is agreed circumstances at the discretion of the school. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

A parent’s request that their child is flexi-schooled

‘Flexi-schooling’ or ‘flexible school attendance’ is an arrangement between the parent and the school where the child is registered at school in the normal way, but where the child attends the school only part time; the rest of the time the child is home educated (effectively on authorised absence from school). This is sometimes done as a short-term measure for a specific reason. Flexi-schooling is a legal option provided that the headteacher has agreed at the school concerned and, in many cases, the LA as well agree to this arrangement.

It is the decision of the headteacher whether to agree to any parental requests for flexi schooling depending on the individual circumstances and taking into account any safeguarding issues.

3.4 Registration code: C4

The registration code C4 is agreed circumstances at the discretion of the school. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

A pupil has been placed on an agreed reduced or reintegration timetable. It must be agreed by the parent and child in conjunction with the school.

Any reduced or reintegration timetable should be underpinned by a documented pastoral support plan which must be agreed with the parent and pupil.

Local authorities should have a policy on the use of reduced or reintegration timetable and ensure that there are mechanisms in place to ensure that the local authority has a clear oversight of all pupils who are on part-time timetables to support reintegration to full time provision. Each local authority policy should have clear aims of returning these pupils to full time provision within a defined timescale, generally no more than a 6-week period and in line with our Belonging, engaging and participating guidance. This guidance is a comprehensive document aimed at improving pupil engagement and attendance in educational settings.

If the school wishes for a reintegration to continue longer than 6 weeks, then they should discuss the rationale with the local authority for them to consider whether this is in the best interests of the pupil and whether EOTAS provision should also be considered at this point to complement the attendance at school.

3.5 Registration code: F

The registration code F is for an agreed absence for a family holiday if they believe there are exceptional circumstances which warrant it. Parents should not normally take pupils on holiday in term time. They must apply for leave in advance of taking an intended holiday. Each request for absence due to an intended holiday should be considered individually taking account of the age of the child; the time of year proposed for the trip; its nature and parental wishes; the overall attendance pattern of the pupil; the child's stage of education and progress. Schools should invite parents to discuss any requests for a proposed leave of absence for a holiday in term time.

Schools can only agree to absence for an intended extended family holiday (more than 10 days) if they believe there are exceptional circumstances which warrant it. If the school considers that there are exceptional circumstances why the pupil should be granted approval for a trip of more than 10 days, the approval can be given, and the absence would be authorised.

Where parents apply for an extended holiday for more than 10 days the first 10 days should be coded H then any further absences from day 11 should be coded F where the school has agreed to the extended holiday.

The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This category is for the whole of an extended holiday (from day 11 of the absence onwards) where the headteacher has agreed there are exceptional circumstances.

If the parents do not apply for the leave of absence in advance of the holiday the pupil must be recorded as unauthorised absence using code G.

If a school does not agree to the parental request for the absence and the pupil still goes on holiday, the absence is unauthorised (and should be coded G).

A return date should be provided to the school. If parents keep a child away for longer than was agreed, any extra time is recorded as unauthorised (code G).

Where parents request an absence for an intended extended holiday for more than 10 days, and the school considers that there are exceptional circumstances the first 10 days in the school year should be coded H then from day 11 of the absence this should be coded F where the school has agreed to the extended holiday.

Examples could include:

• parent required to work abroad for a fixed, medium-term period due to the nature and location of their employment
• a heritage visit to their country of origin or birth, including to see family members

3.6 Registration code: H

The registration code H is for an agreed absence for a family holiday if they believe there are exceptional circumstances which warrant it. Parents must apply in advance for a leave of absence for an intended holiday or overseas trip in term time. This is limited to 10 days per academic year. Requests for leave of absence should be considered individually, and schools should invite parents to discuss any such proposals and should take account of the age of the child; the time of year proposed for the trip; its nature and parental wishes; the overall attendance pattern of the pupil; the child's stage of education and progress. Schools can only agree to a request for an absence due to a family holiday if they believe there are exceptional circumstances which warrant it.

Examples of exceptional circumstances could include:

• families of serving armed forces personnel where they are unable to take a holiday during the coming school holiday period
• parent or child experiencing a life limiting illness that requires them to go on holiday at that time and not during a school holiday period
• where parents have provided evidence from their employer that their work patterns prevent them from taking holidays in line with published school term dates and that they are unable to take leave in the school holiday periods

The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

If a school agrees a parental request for absence due to an intended holiday and the pupil goes on holiday for 10 days or less, the absence is authorised (use code H).

If the parents do not apply for the requests for absence in advance of an intended holiday the pupil must be recorded as unauthorised absence using code G, as schools cannot approve requests for absence due to a family holiday retrospectively.

If a school does not agree to a family request for an absence and the pupil goes on holiday, absence is unauthorised (code G).

3.7 Registration code: I1

The registration code I1 is for missing registration through illness is an authorised absence. If a pupil is present for registration but returns home because of illness, no absence need be recorded for that session. Schools should keep a record of pupils leaving or returning to site in case of an emergency. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This code is to be used when parents contact the school to say that their child is physically ill, for example where the main reason provided for the absence is related to a physical illness, such as a sickness bug, infectious illness or broken bones. Parents should always be advised to notify the school as soon as possible when a child is ill.

While schools can request medical evidence to support absence on the grounds of illness, schools are advised not to request medical certificates unnecessarily (particularly retrospective certificates), especially if the illness was not treated by a doctor at the time. Unnecessary requests will block GP’s appointments which, in turn, could delay treatment of others and doctors report that it is difficult to provide retrospective evidence, particularly if they did not treat the pupil. Medical evidence can take the form of sight of prescriptions, appointments cards, and such rather than GP notes.

If the authenticity of illness is in doubt, or if there is a failure to provide medical evidence following a suitable period of time, schools can record the absence (code O) but must inform the parents of the school’s intention to use that code.

A pupil receiving medical treatment on site should be marked 'present'.

Where ill health is a factor in the pupil’s absence and there have been several episodes of absence, if it is felt that the parents have not sought appropriate medical help and the absence persists, with the cooperation of the parents, an enquiry should be made to the relevant medical professional. In addition, where illnesses such as mild asthma, migraine or stomach pains are given as a reason for frequent or prolonged absence, a medical opinion may need to be sought from the relevant medical professional, remembering that there is often an association between these and Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Where there are entrenched absences due to patterns of illness and schools have evidenced that they have exhausted all avenues of support and engagement they should refer to the local authority for consideration of provision of EOTAS in line with Section 19A of the 1996 Education Act.

Absence at registration due to a medical, dental or hospital appointment should be recorded using code M.

3.8 Registration code: I2

The registration code I2 is for missing registration through illness is an authorised absence. If a pupil is present for registration but returns home because of illness, no absence need be recorded for that session. Schools should keep a record of pupils leaving or returning to site in case of an emergency. This could be undertaken using a signing in and out system. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This code is to be used when parents contact the school to say that their child is absent due to non-physical illness for example around wellbeing concerns. Parents should always be advised to notify the school as soon as possible.

While schools can request medical evidence to support absence on the grounds of illness, schools are advised not to request medical certificates unnecessarily (particularly retrospective certificates), especially if the illness was not treated by a doctor at the time. Unnecessary requests will block GP’s appointments which, in turn, could delay treatment of others and doctors report that it is difficult to provide retrospective evidence, particularly if they did not treat the pupil. Medical evidence can take the form of sight of prescriptions, appointments cards and such rather than GP notes.

If the authenticity of illness is in doubt, or if there is a failure to provide medical evidence following a suitable period of time, schools can record the absence (code O) but must inform the parents of the school’s intention to use that code.

Where ill health is a factor in the pupil’s absence and there have been several episodes of absence, if it is felt that the parents have not sought appropriate medical help and the absence persists, with the cooperation of the parents, an enquiry should be made to the relevant medical professional. In addition, where illnesses such as mild asthma, migraine or stomach pains are given as a reason for frequent or prolonged absence, a medical opinion may need to be sought from the relevant medical professional, remembering that there is often an association between these and Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Where there are entrenched absences due to patterns of illness and schools have evidenced that they have exhausted all avenues of support and engagement they should refer to the local authority for consideration of provision of EOTAS in line with Section 19A of the 1996 Education Act.

A pupil receiving medical treatment on site should be marked 'present'.

Absence at registration due to a medical, dental or hospital appointment should be recorded using code M.

3.9 Registration code: M

The registration code M is for missing registration for a medical or dental appointment is authorised absence.

Parents and pupils should be encouraged to make appointments out of school hours. Sight of an appointment confirmation is advisable.

If a pupil is present for registration but has a medical appointment later, no absence need be recorded for that session. Schools should keep a formal record of pupils leaving or returning to site in case of an emergency.

If a pupil arrives from a medical appointment within the period that the registers are still open, they should be coded with code L as they are then deemed present. If a pupil arrives after the registers are closed, they should be coded as M.

Additional information

For health and safety reasons a system must be in place to record that a pupil has either arrived at school or left the premises during the session. Medical appointments include:

• attendance at a GP’s surgery
• attendance at a dentist’s surgery
• CAMHS appointments or hospital appointments (not a stay in hospital, for which the appropriate code should be used (I1 or I2))

3.10 Registration code: S

The registration code S is used for study leave, it should be used sparingly and at the headteacher’s discretion for year 11 pupils taking examinations (maximum of 15 days) and only used in preparation for pupils undertaking public examinations. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

The expectation is that schools seek alternatives to study leave as there is evidence that a high proportion of students do not have the skills, or are not inclined, to make the best use of large amounts of unsupervised and unstructured revision time.

As study leave is unsupervised and schools cannot assume that it took place during the school session it does not meet the regulatory requirements for code B1 or B2.

Schools should bear in mind that any session given to pupils as study leave has a statistical meaning of authorised absence and should be recorded and reported on by the school as such.

As pupils are required to be retained on the school roll, schools’ responsibilities for all pupils remain unchanged. All pupils would benefit from in-person study support and guidance from teachers at their school particularly vulnerable groups, such as those identified by Estyn definition hence study leave should be used sparingly during not prior to the examination period. The local authority or school must consider any current or previous safeguarding concerns, and study leave must not be provided where these concerns cannot be safely mitigated.

When calculating the use of study leave, and therefore authorised absence, schools must bear in mind that pupils cannot leave school until the last Friday in June. Once the 15 days of study leave are exhausted then other codes should be used as required when absences are authorised or unauthorised.

Pupils who are present at examinations should not be marked using this code.

3.11 Registration code: E

The registration code E is used for a pupil who is excluded for a fixed period remains on the school roll but cannot attend the school. A pupil who is permanently excluded remains on the school roll until the appeal process has been completed. This includes the appeal to the Governing Body Disciplinary Panel and the timescales for an appeal to an independent appeal panel. (Section 4.12.4 Exclusion from schools and pupil referral units)

Alternative provision should be arranged for each excluded pupil from the sixteenth day of exclusion. However, some schools and LAs opt to make provision earlier than the sixteenth day of the exclusion.

Additional information

This code is used to record pupils’ absence because they have been excluded and no provision has yet been made for them to continue their education whilst excluded.

The local authority is responsible for making alternative arrangements for an excluded pupil who remains on the school roll either directly or in conjunction with an agreed provider of alternative provision. The provision should be in place from the sixteenth day of a pupil’s permanent exclusion and the sixteenth day of fixed term exclusion. Further guidance on exclusions is available in the guidance Exclusion from schools and pupil referral units (PRU).

If a permanent exclusion is confirmed, the pupil’s name should be removed from the school roll on the school day:

• after the appeal panel’s confirmation of permanent exclusion
• on expiry of the time allowed for appeals to be made
• after the parent confirms in writing that they do not intend to appeal
• the pupil takes up a place elsewhere via parental choice under the Education Act

3.12 Registration code: R

The registration code R is used for an absence to take part in any day set aside exclusively for religious observance by the religious body to which the parents and child belong, including religious festivals. Parents should be encouraged to give advance notice. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This is interpreted to mean that if the parent's religious organisation sets the day as a religious festival, then the school must authorise the absence. Where necessary, schools should seek advice from the parent’s religious body about whether it has set the day apart for religious observance.

If the religious body has not set the day apart there is no requirement for the school to approve the absence or grant a leave absence. Additional holidays and days off linked to the religious festival but not ‘exclusively set aside for religious observance’ by the religious body are not marked using code R.

If parents are seeking additional holidays that are not exclusively set aside for religious observance, then a term time request for absence should be submitted and considered by the school.

Welsh Government provides guidance on these dates on an annual basis to local authorities.

3.13 Registration code: T

The registration code T is used if a Gypsy Roma and Traveller (GRT) child who is absent as their family are travelling for work, as part of the Section 444(6) of the Education Act 1996. Section 444(6) of this Act allows for authorised absences for Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, and nomadic pupils who are travelling with their parents for work.

The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are made up of several ethnic and cultural groups. This is explained in the Welsh Government’s guidance for schools ‘Celebrate and participate: Education guidance to support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people’. Headteachers should refer to this guidance in relation to understanding which groups are covered by the umbrella term GRT.

To help ensure continuity of learning for all Traveller children, dual registration is allowed. In this case their school would mark the Traveller pupil D1 (not required to attend) if they are attending another educational provision. Both schools share responsibility for the child. Failure to attend the agreed provision at the school who is expecting the pupil at the proper time without good reason is unauthorised absence.

If the pupil’s family are known to be travelling (in relation to work) and unable to attend the school at which they are registered but it is not known whether the pupil is attending educational provision (at a school or other provider), the absence should be authorised and recorded using code T.

A school cannot remove a Gypsy Roma Traveller child from the school roll while they are travelling if it is the base school.

Children from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller families are required to attend school. However, there is a defence available to Gypsy, Roma, Traveller families if prosecuted for non-attendance provided that the child has attended a school for at least 200 sessions in the 12 months ending when legal proceedings are started.

4.1 Registration code: N

The registration code N is used if there is no reason for absence. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Every endeavour should be made to establish the reason for a pupil’s absence from school. Until a reason is obtained, the absence must be coded using code N. If no reason for absence is provided, within 5 school days and schools have exhausted all avenues of enquiry, code N should be replaced with code O and the school must inform the parent that the absence will now be recorded as unauthorised.

If pupils are unexpectedly absent and their parents do not contact the school, the school should contact them under first day response calling arrangements.

Code N should not be left showing on a pupil’s attendance record for longer than 5 school days.

Schools should ensure they have systems and procedures in place to follow up these absences and establish the reason for absence, ideally within the 5-day timescale.

Where a pupil is recorded initially as code N and this is subsequently amended with a reason for the absence of the pupil, the new information is regarded as the first entry in the register and does not require that the change from code N is associated with who made the change, when or why. The reason is that the information has just been provided. Any other change to any other information entered into either the attendance register, or admissions register must be accompanied with details of the original and new entries, who made the change when and why.

4.2 Registration code: O

The registration code O is used if a pupil is out for the whole session. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

Schools should be informing the parents when the absence is unauthorised. The following list gives some examples of reasons for an unauthorised absence, but the list is not exhaustive:

• pupil’s, parent’s, sibling’s, relative’s birthday
• shopping
• having their hair cut
• special treat
• market days
• ‘couldn’t get up’
• closure of a sibling’s school for INSET (or other) purposes

4.3 Registration code: G

The registration code G is used for a family holiday if the request for absence to go on a term time holiday has not been agreed, where the absence exceeds the time agreed by the school or parents have not applied for an absence in advance of going on holiday. They can only agree to absence of more than 10 school days in a school year if they believe there are exceptional circumstances. Parents should not normally take pupils on holidays in term time and must apply for a request for a leave of absence in advance of the holiday. Each request for holiday absence should be considered individually, taking account of the age of the child; the time of year proposed for the trip; its nature and parental wishes; the overall attendance pattern of the pupil; the child's stage of education and progress. Schools should invite parents to school to discuss any proposed holiday in term time. Schools can only agree to a request for absence for a family holiday if they believe there are exceptional circumstances which warrant it.

Code G would not be appropriate in the following circumstances:

• families of serving armed forces personnel where they are unable to take a holiday during the coming school holiday period
• parent or child experiencing a life limiting illness that requires them to go on holiday at that time and not during a school holiday period
• where parents have provided evidence that their work patterns prevent them from taking holidays in line with published school term dates, for example a letter from their employer stating why they need to take their leave during this period

The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

If the parents do not apply for the leave of absence in advance of taking it the pupil must be recorded as unauthorised absence using code G, as the regulations do not allow schools to give retrospective approval.

If a school does not agree absence and the pupil goes on holiday, absence is unauthorised (code G).

If parents keep a child away for longer than was agreed, any additional absence should be recorded as unauthorised (code G).

4.4 Registration code: U

The registration code U is used if a child is late after registration is closed. Schools should actively discourage and identify patterns of late arrival. Schools should have a policy on how long registers should be kept open. Welsh Government advises that registers should remain open for 30 minutes.

For example, if the registration period starts at 8.30am, the registers should close at 9.00am.

The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This code should be used when a pupil has arrived after the close of registration with no relevant reason to code it otherwise.

Example:

If a pupil arrives late (after registers have been closed) due to a doctor or dentist appointment, the code M would be used.

If a pupil arrives late (after registers have been closed) and parents provide an unacceptable excuse, then the code U would be used.

For health and safety reasons, schools need to be aware of where pupils are, particularly those leaving or arriving late on the premises during a session. This might be achieved through a paper system in the school office to record that a pupil has arrived on the school premises during the session and added to the school’s electronic system as soon as possible.

Under the Education (School Day and School Year) (Wales) Regulations 2003 as amended schools can set different session times for different pupils, during public examinations for example, but are required to open for 380 sessions.

For safeguarding and educational reasons, schools must follow up all unexplained and unexpected absence in a timely manner, such as ‘First day response’ procedures.

5.1 Registration code: D1

The registration code D1 is used for dual registration of pupils at more than one school.

An example of this is where a pupil is dually registered at school X and school or setting Y and is attending school or setting Y. School X codes the pupil D1 (not required to attend) while they are attending school or setting Y and vice-versa. Both schools share responsibility for the child. Failure to attend the agreed provision when the provision is expecting the pupil at the proper time without good reason is unauthorised absence.

This code is used to indicate that the pupil is not required to attend the school at which they are registered but are required to attend the institution providing the provision. The main examples of dual registration are pupils who are attending a pupil referral unit, EOTAS provision, a hospital school or a special school on a temporary basis. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

The law allows a pupil to be registered at more than one school.

This code is to be used when a pupil is dually registered at two schools and, for the session in question, they are not required to attend your school.

This code is used to indicate that the pupil is not required to attend their school but are expected to attend the other school at which they are registered. The main examples of dual registration are pupils who are attending a pupil referral unit, EOTAS provision, a hospital school or a special school on a temporary basis.

The school where the child is expected to attend on that day is responsible for accurately recording the pupil’s attendance and following up non-attendance.

Pupils who are dually registered at two schools should be registered as such in both schools’ information management systems (MIS) under ‘pupil enrolment status’. Schools must have clear arrangements in place to ensure that when a pupil is expected to attend another school or setting, that setting can notify the ‘other’ school of any absence. This enables both schools to record the attendance, absence, the requirement to attend accurately using the correct attendance code and to discuss any attendance concerns. For safeguarding and educational purposes, the school where the pupil is due to attend is responsible for following up all unexplained or unexpected absences promptly, for example through standard ‘First Day Response’ procedures.

5.2 Registration code: X

The registration code X is used for untimetabled sessions for non-compulsory school-age pupils. Pupils who have not reached statutory school age of 5 years at the start of the term in which the session takes place or pupils who were 16 years before the start of the school year in which it takes place. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

The Regulations require the register to be taken for both compulsory age and non-compulsory age pupils.

The code should be to record sessions that non-compulsory school-age children are not expected to attend and use the standard codes to record other absence. This will not affect schools’ and local authorities’ attendance statistics, particularly those published by the Welsh Government, because the Welsh Government does not collect statistics for non-compulsory school-age pupils. It will help schools to easily identify when pupils have missed lessons. This code must not be used to record the absence of children of compulsory school age or any form of exclusion.

If a school places a compulsory school age pupil on a part time timetable, for example as part of re-integration, then the school is authorising the pupil's absence from the sessions not in the timetable. That absence should be recorded under code C4. Schools should not place pupils on part-time timetables for an indefinite period and should monitor their use.

If a pupil is registered at more than one school, the pupil will already be coded D1 ‘they are not required to attend the school where they are registered’ and the school where they are attending on that day would record their attendance.

Year 11 Pupil who may already be following Year 12 timetables

Where pupils are of statutory school age but attending year 12 provision and following post GCSE courses then any sessions where they are not required to attend school should be covered by the ‘code C1’ not the ‘code X’

Year 11 Pupils who are going onto the Year 12 (Sixth Form)

Under the Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010 schools cannot delete Year 11 pupils who intend to remain at the school and enter the Sixth Form (Year 12) from the school registers. Once the pupils have reached the end of their compulsory school-age, which is on the last Friday in June, they can be recorded using this code if the school has not asked them to attend.

5.3 Registration code: Y1

The registration code Y1 is used if a child is:

• unable to attend because school is not within walking distance of pupil’s home and local authority transport to and from school is not provided
• unable to attend due to widespread disruption to travel caused by a local emergency or due to adverse weather conditions causing a partial closure to the building
• attending a school where part of the premises is unavoidably out of use and pupils cannot be accommodated in parts of the premises that remain open

The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

• The pupil is unable to attend because the school is not within walking distance of their home and the transport to and from the school that is normally provided by the local authority for the pupil is not available. This applies to:
  • pupils of compulsory school age attending primary school who live 2 miles or further from their nearest suitable school
  • pupils of compulsory school age attending secondary school who live 3 miles or further from their nearest suitable school
• The pupil is unable to attend the school because of widespread disruption to travel caused by a local, national, or international emergency.
• Part of the school premises is unavoidable out of use and pupils cannot be accommodated in areas that remain in use. For example, this could be related to extreme weather (for example, aircon not working in one part of the school or flooding which would require lessons that day to be cancelled)
• Pupils are well enough to attend but there are government rules or guidance to limit spread of infection or disease (pandemic)

This code is classified for statistical purposes as not a possible attendance.

5.4 Registration code: Y2

The registration code Y2 is used if a child is:

• unable to attend due to widespread disruption to travel caused by a local, national or international emergency
• unable to attend because the whole school is closed when school was due to meet for a session, but session has been cancelled
• unable to travel to or attend a school as doing that would be contrary to or prohibited by guidance or law relating to incidence or transmission of infection or disease

The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional Information

• Pupils are unable to attend the school because of widespread disruption to travel caused by a local, national, or international emergency.
• Where a school was planned to be open for a session, but the whole school is closed unexpectedly (for example due to adverse weather), the attendance register is not taken as usual because there is no school session. Instead, every pupil listed in the admission register at the time must be recorded with code Y2 to record the fact that the school is closed. This code may not be used for any planned closure such as weekends or holidays.
• The pupil is well enough to attend (otherwise code I1 would have been recorded) but there are Government rules or guidance to limit the spread of infection or disease which say they should not attend.

This code is classified for statistical purposes as not a possible attendance.

5.5 Registration code: Z

The registration code Z is used for administration purposes for pupils expected to join the school roll. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This code is available to enable schools to set up registers before pupils are due to join.

School MIS systems store details of pupils who are to be admitted in ‘preadmission group’ which is then ‘rolled forward’ at the start of term. This helps schools to have details on new pupils in their MIS system as soon as possible. However, some pupils do not turn up (because they have started somewhere else) but they are still ‘on roll’ as far as the computer is concerned until they are made a ‘leaver’. While ‘on roll’ in this way, they will be shown as ‘unauthorised’ absent unless they can be marked as ‘not yet on roll’ in the computer.

Under The Education (Pupil Registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010 schools must put pupils on the admissions register on the first day that the admissions authority allocates them the pupil start date not, as previously, when they first attend. Schools should also remember that all pupils on the admissions register must also be entered on the attendance register and their attendance recorded.

If a pupil is expected to arrive at a school, for example in a ‘preadmission group’, but does not, in fact, arrive to attend the school, the school should advise the local authority immediately and mark the pupil using code N. When the school and Local Authority locate the pupil via the local authority CME systems and processes, they should mark the pupil accordingly.

5.6 Registration code: #

The registration code # is used for planned closures of the whole school. The following table shows the meaning of the code in different contexts.

Additional information

This code should be used for whole school planned closures. Examples are:

• between terms
• half terms
• occasional days when the whole school (including staff) are on holiday
• weekends (if required by the system)
• for INSET days when teachers are at work but not teaching and when pupils are not required to attend
• any additional no contact days defined by regulation to be used for curriculum planning or training
• use of schools as polling stations

This code should not be used for enforced closures of all or part of the school, site. These codes are defined by the appropriate code Y (Y1 used for partial closure or Y2 for full closure).

EOTAS (Education other than at school)

This is any education provided in various settings other than traditional school environments that is provided by local authorities. It can include hospital schools, pupil referral units, independent special schools, online learning and provision through third-sector organisations.

Flexi-schooling

Flexi-schooling is where a headteacher agrees to a parent request that their child attend school part time and takes responsibility for the education on the days that the child doesn’t attend school.

Part-time timetables

This is where pupils attend schools on a part-time basis following an agreement between schools, parents and the pupil. These part-time timetables are often put in place following illness, a period of exclusion to support the pupil’s return to school and support a pupil’s reintegration to full time provision.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

CAMHS help children and young people with emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties.

Online provision

Online provision is a flexible and supportive approach to education that allows students to learn remotely with an internet connection.

INSET days

INSET days focus on equipping teachers and support staff with the skills, confidence, and practical strategies to deliver curriculum.

MIS

Management information system used by schools to support the day-to-day running of the school.

PRU (Pupil Referral Unit)

A type of school maintained by the local authority for children of compulsory school age who require EOTAS provision. A high percentage of children attending PRUs have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools, but other groups of pupils, such as those at risk of permanent exclusion, pregnant and teenage mothers, pupils with medical needs, pupils in hospital, and those who would benefit from a work-related curriculum may also access this type of provision.

First day response

First Day Response would be undertaken by the school, and they would initiate contact with the parent or main contact to secure reasons for the child’s absence.

Special schools

Special schools can be independent or LA maintained. They provide education and support to children and young people with ALN whose needs are too complex or severe to be effectively met within a mainstream school.