"The LGA is calling for a register of children not in school, accompanied by powers for councils to check children are receiving a suitable education."
Responding to the Children’s Commissioner report, which highlights the number of children who are leaving state education, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Good attendance at school is vital for children’s development, but councils lack the powers to ensure children who are missing school don’t slip through the net.
“The LGA is calling for a register of children not in school, accompanied by powers for councils to check children are receiving a suitable education.
“We also echo the Commissioner’s calls for councils to have powers to direct admissions for all schools, including academies.
“There should also be a cross-government, child centred-strategy to tackle rising disadvantage and the wider factors contributing toward persistent absence. This must include reforming the SEND system and expanding access to mental health support and youth services.”