News

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