Children missing education

The law says:

"The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause them to receive efficient full-time education suitable:-

(a) to the child’s age, ability and aptitude, and

(b) to any special educational needs the child may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise"

Children of compulsory school age are considered to be children missing education when they are not receiving:

• full-time education at a school or academy
• other suitable full-time education - for example, at home or privately

The procedures for children missing education do not apply to children who are registered at a school but not attending regularly

Schools and academies must implement their own absence management policies and, where appropriate, refer to our Education Welfare Service.