Management Information Sheet

Children Missing Education statutory guidance outlines all schools and local authority responsibilities to prevent children becoming missing from education and identify children who are missing education. The statutory regulations apply to all schools, both state funded and independent.

Over Autumn Term 2018, the Children Missing Education Team undertook a full audit of children missing education practice including a systemic review of Local Authority procedures against national guidance.

The key areas for development identified in the audit were:

• Data and information security – simplify systems, review on and off roll notifications
• Policy and procedures
• Training and awareness

As a result of the findings, significant changes to the current LA systems are being implemented and we have drafted a revised Children Missing Education Policy. In line with the national guidance would like to consult with schools in Norfolk for their views on proposed policy.

The consultation closes on 30 March 2019. The consultation survey can be accessed here. Schools' feedback will be incorporated into the policy and will be published from 23 April 2019.

Summary of key changes to the policy:

• Clarifies when children should be enrolled onto school admission registers and on roll notifications to CME Team
• Introduction of possible pupil missing education telephone consultation to enable joint enquiries between schools and CME Team prior to a pupil being removed from roll.
• Guidance on off roll notification and information and evidence required for each specific reason for removal from roll
• Respective roles and responsibilities regarding children missing education in line with current legislation and statutory guidance.

If you have any questions, please contact Claire Farrelly, Senior Children Missing Education Officer, at 01603 307767 or email claire.farrelly@norfolk.gov.uk.