Who can support me?
You should start by speaking to your GP. They might be able to refer you to services such as CAMHS or PALMS.
Educational psychologists (EPs)
Educational Psychologistsprovide support to schools to help them meet the needs of children and young people. If your child is unable to attend school, their school is responsible for organising support for this from the EP team.
Mental health services
CYPMHS (Child and young people's mental health services) works with children and young people who have difficulties with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.
PALMS (Positive behaviour, Autism, Learning Disability and Mental health Service) helps children and young people aged 0-19 who have a learning disability and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Local Authority Attendance Officers
Local Authority Attendance Officers (LAAO) meet with both parents and pupils in order to try and reduce unnecessary absence and remind parents of their legal responsibilities.
It's natural to be concerned if your case gets referred to a LAAO, however they can work in partnership with you and the school. They can make suggestions like having you stay with your child until they've settled in class.
Attendance team
Schools may make a referral to the attendance team if attendance is below 80% and the majority of absences are unauthorised. However you can contact them for support too.
ESMA
The Education Support for Medical Absence (ESMA) team support pupils who have had, or are expecting to have, significant time off school due to a physical or mental health condition. Their aim is to help children continue their education around their needs and work towards getting them back into school life.
