Definition of the word attendance centre

The term "attendance centre" refers to a type of educational facility that provides education and supervision for children who have been temporarily removed from their homes due to welfare concerns or specific necessities. The term was coined by the British government in the early 2000s as a replacement for the previous term "children's home." The need for such a facility arose from the recognition that children should not be placed in care unnecessarily, but should instead continue their education while they are in the care of the state. The attendance centre provides a more stable and positive environment for these children, allowing them to maintain their academic progress and social connections, while also addressing their specific needs. The origins of the attendance centre can be traced back to the United Kingdom's Children Act 1989, which legislated for a child's right to remain in their home environment, unless it is not reasonably practicable or consistent with the child's welfare. In response, local authorities began to develop attendance centres to provide flexible educational provision, addressing the urgency of action, whilst considering the long-term effects of the child's absence from home. Today, attendance centres provide a range of services, including academic support, counselling, therapeutic services, and specialist interventions, with the aim of supporting a smooth return to the child's own home. The use of the term "attendance centre" is a reflection of the emphasis on maintaining routine and continuity for the children, enabling them to sustain their educational progress whilst addressing the specific requirements of their circumstances.