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.
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.
You can find more information and services to support emotional wellbeing on our Mental Health and Wellbeing page.
Local Authority Attendance Officers
Local Authority Attendance Officers work as part of our Children’s Services. They have a responsibility to make sure parents are fulfilling their legal duty to ensure their child attends school regularly and punctually.
Local Authority Attendance Officers (LAAO’s) will always try to work with parents to resolve any difficulties that are preventing a child’s regular attendance at school. Their involvement is a process of assessment and planned targeted interventions to address issues and improve attendance.
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 low 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.