Health and Wellbeing
Understand the Safeguarding Implications of Children Missing from Education
Know why a child missing school can be a safeguarding warning sign, and what to do when you're worried.
- 14 minutes
- 6 modules
- 0.5 CPD hours
- Certificate
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14 days free, then £70 a year or £7 a month.
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What you'll learn
- Explain what children missing from education means and why it matters
- Recognise which children are more likely to miss education, and why
- Spot absence patterns that may point to abuse, neglect or exploitation
- Understand what schools and local authorities must do when a child goes missing
- Report concerns to your designated safeguarding lead without delay
About this course
A pupil who keeps disappearing for a few days at a time might be ill, caring for a parent or refusing school. They might also be being exploited, kept at home or at risk of forced marriage. The absence can be the first sign that something is wrong.
You'll know which children are more likely to miss education, such as young carers, families who move often and pupils with complex SEND, and which harms an absence can hide, including county lines, FGM and honour-based abuse. You'll also understand what schools and local authorities must do, from the admission register to when a pupil can come off roll. Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) is clear that acting early matters.
Whatever the reason, you'll know to take any worry to your designated safeguarding lead without delay.
- For governors, senior leaders and 3 other roles. Early years, primary, secondary and special. England and Wales.
6 modules
Open in order
- 2 min
Introduction
1 question
- 3 min
Why is attendance important?
- 3 min
Why are some children ‘missing from education’?
1 question
- 3 min
What are the risks to children when they are missing from education?
1 question
- 4 min
What responsibilities do schools have in relation to this issue?
1 question
- 2 min
Wrap up