Children Missing Education

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 otherwise than being at school (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 with the utmost confidentiality.

If you believe that a child may be missing school, this needs to be reported to the Education Welfare Service by email to:

Education.WelfareTeam@merthyr.gov.uk

What will happen when I report a concern?

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.