Petition · Department for Education

Ban schools from punishing children for poor attendance

Open for signatures 24 signatures

What the petition asks

Ban schools from punishing children for poor school attendance, for example by not allowing them on school trips or to attend prom.
Some children in mainstream schools across the country are being excluded from school trips and their prom due to poor attendance. We feel this is discrimination against those with SEN, health and mental health needs who might be physically or mentally unable to attend school frequently, not through lack of trying. We believe punishment is detrimental to the mental wellbeing of those excluded from school events and should be stopped.

Timeline

17 Aug 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 24
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Education
Opened 17 Aug 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 18 Aug 2026.