What happens when a child or young person simply cannot attend school, and absence starts to become a legal issue?

In this episode of The SEND Network Podcast, Georgie Green is joined by Emma Tennant, founder of The SEND Law Company, to explore the complex relationship between SEND, school attendance, parental responsibility and the law.

Drawing on her experience as both a SEND parent and a legally trained professional specialising in attendance law, Emma discusses what can happen when a child is unable to attend school because their needs are not being met, and why families can sometimes find themselves facing penalty notices or even prosecution.

Georgie and Emma discuss Section 19 alternative provision, EHCPs, PACE interviews, attendance fines and tribunals, as well as the importance of understanding what may be happening behind a child's absence.

They also explore the role of schools and local authorities, masking and burnout, the difficulties teachers face when a child's needs aren't visible in the classroom, and what better support could look like for children who struggle within mainstream education.

📺 Watch the full episode now on the SEND Network
🎧 Available to listen on all major podcast platforms