Up to 100,000 children miss school

As many as 100,000 children could be missing from the education
system, with children in care being the most at risk, according to
a report by rehabilitation agency Nacro, writes Clare
Jerrom.

Children miss school for a variety of reasons including low
attainment and bullying, and some drop out of the system without
trace for up to two years. Those in care are more prone to
‘go missing’ as local authorities are under no legal
obligation to tell other authorities if they send a child into
foster care.

However, the charity highlights the link between disaffection at
school and future offending. Of young people referred to youth
offending teams, 41 per cent had truanted regularly prior to coming
into contact with the youth justice system and over half had
special educational needs.

But Craig Harris, Nacro’s director of education and
employment, warned: “If we are to tackle problems of
attendance, education provision should be more relevant to the
needs and abilities of all children, regardless of whether they are
academically suited or gifted practically.”

He warns that a punitive approach to tackling truancy does not
work and constructive intervention is the key to facing these
difficulties.

‘Missing Out’ available after Wednesday 26 November
from 020 7840 6427

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