The LGA has reiterated calls for councils to be given powers to ensure that children who are missing school don’t slip through the net.
It follows a government announcement on new plans to improve attendance rates in schools.
These include expanding the ‘Attendance hubs’ programme with nine new lead hub schools, as well as the expansion of ‘attendance mentors’ in areas of England with the highest levels of pupil absence.
The Department for Education has also published a call for evidence on children missing education – those who are neither on a school roll nor being suitably home educated.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: “Good attendance at school plays a vital role in children’s development and for their wellbeing, and it is positive government has set out measures to improve this.
“However, we have long raised with government that councils lack the powers to ensure that children who are missing school don’t slip through the net.
“Despite having a legal duty to ensure a school place for every child, councils do not have the ability to direct academies to accept pupils, even if they are the most appropriate school for a pupil.
“Under the current arrangements, children not in school are invisible to councils and the services that keep them safe.
“This is why it is vital the Government legislates for a register of children who are not in school, combined with powers for councils to meet face to face with children.”
