School attendance and absence

Parents and carers have a duty to ensure that their children of compulsory school age are receiving suitable, full-time education.

If a child goes missing from education, parents or carers must inform the school if they -

• move house
• emigrate
• return late from a family holiday
• decide to home educate
• choose to privately educate

Children are classed as a child missing education until you -

• notify the school that they are leaving
• explain any absence and confirm when your child is expected to return
• provide details of the education provision they are to receive

To avoid your children being regarded as a child missing education -

• always give your children’s school your forwarding address and information on the new school. This includes if you move abroad
• provide full details of the private school your children are to transfer to before they leave
• inform the school, in writing if you decide to home educate your children