Define Fine: Parent Peer Support for School Attendance Difficulties

Define Fine is a parent/carer-led organisation. They believe that children and young people can only be described as "fine in school" if:

• They are safe, healthy, and happy
• Their needs are acknowledged and supported
• They can access suitable education

Define Fine was set up in response to the growing number of children and young people who experience school attendance difficulties. More specifically, those affected by ‘school refusal’ or 'emotionally-based school avoidance.' These behaviours might be caused by a disability, an unmet special educational need, a physical or mental illness (either suspected or diagnosed), bullying, academic pressure, or even the school environment itself.

Define Fine provide peer support, using tried and tested resources. They help parents/carers advocate for their child (or young person) so that they can learn and achieve. The organisation hopes to develop its growing network. They train peers to advocate for their own family members, with a hope that one day, they might be in a position to support other families themselves.

Define Fine empowers parents/carers to work with professionals. This should lead to earlier interventions (resulting in better outcomes), and could reduce the risk of unnecessary attendance prosecutions and safeguarding interventions.