When my child cannot get through the school gate

The short answer

Separate the immediate morning from the longer investigation. Check illness, pain and safety, tell the school what happened, and ask whether an agreed arrival adjustment is available. Record what your child attempted, the point where attendance became impossible and what helped or made it harder. Later, compare easier and harder days with your child and school. Anxiety may be part of the picture, but so may health, sleep, bullying, learning, sensory conditions, relationships, transport or support that is not working. Agree a written plan with a small number of actions, named owners and a review date. Ask how absence is being recorded and get advice on any formal notice. The legal process and terminology depend on where in the UK your child attends school.

• Deal with health and safety first, then notify school promptly and describe what happened.
• Record the route your child attempted rather than reducing the day to present or absent.
• Compare several possible barriers without deciding the cause too early.
• Agree specific school actions, an accessible arrival route and a review date.
• Ask what absence code and attendance process apply instead of making assumptions.
• Use the rules and support services for the UK nation where your child is educated.