We have a statutory duty to identify children who are missing education. This duty is important from both an education and a safeguarding perspective.
Children and young people not receiving a suitable education are at increased risk of a range of negative outcomes that could have long term damaging consequences for their life chances.
A child missing from education is of compulsory school age (between 5-16 years) who are not on a school roll, and who are not receiving a suitable education (for example, at home, privately, or in alternative provision) and who have been out of any educational provision for a substantial period of time, usually agreed as four weeks or more.
You need to contact us straight away if you:
- have noticed a child who does not appear to be attending school regularly
- believe that a child is not receiving any education
- have any concerns about children who have gone missing from your area or neighbourhood.
You do not need to give your personal details but if you do all information will be treated confidentially.
If you believe that a child may be missing school, this needs to be reported to the Education Welfare Service by email to:
educationwelfareservice@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
What will happen when I report a concern?
A referral should be made in all cases where it is suspected that a child has moved and the school has not been able to ascertain/informed by parent of either a new address or change of school, or when the child has not returned from a holiday or an extended holiday within two weeks of the expected date of return.
By reporting your concern to us you are ensuring the safety and well-being of some of the most vulnerable youngsters within our community. When we receive your report, we will try to trace the child through various databases and liaise with other agencies and professionals. If we are satisfied that the child is registered at a school or receiving a suitable education, we will take no further action. If necessary, we will also provide support to help the child get back into school.
Schools should contact Social Care without delay if there are child protection concerns, or contact the Police directly if there is a good reason to believe that a crime may have been committed.