Further information around EBSA
4. EBSA and Safeguarding
When a child is missing school frequently, it's crucial to notify the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs). These staff members will review if the child is already considered at risk or if their absence might increase any existing safety concerns for the child or their family. This information helps in deciding the right actions to support the child.
If there aren’t any known safety issues, staff should still investigate why the child isn’t attending. The absence could be due to bullying, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mental health issues. Any concerns about these potential issues should be reported to the DSL/DDSLs according to the school's procedures.
When a child is not in regular attendance at school, the school still maintains safeguarding responsibilities for the child and must follow the guidance in Part One and Annex B of Keeping Children Safe in Education in regard to responding to children who are absent, including ensuring all staff:
Key Points for School Staff:
- Understand Attendance Support: Know the school’s processes for encouraging good attendance and preventing absences.
- Be Aware of Safeguarding: Understand how to handle cases where students miss school often or for long periods. This could be a sign of a safety issue.
- Recognize Warning Signs: Regular or long-term absences can indicate problems like abuse or neglect. Be alert to these signs.
- Conduct Welfare Checks: Ensure checks are done, and keep communication open with the child, their family, and other professionals.
Why It’s Important:
Increased Risk: Missing school regularly can make children more vulnerable to neglect and abuse.
Shared Responsibility: Everyone involved with the child must work together to ensure their safety and well-being.
Key Actions:
- Identify Risks: Make sure all professionals know the child’s vulnerabilities and any risks.
- Stay Curious: Investigate why the child is missing school and whether it might be due to safety issues.
- Communicate: All professionals should share information and work together to protect the child.
- Follow Safeguarding Policies: Ensure that safeguarding procedures are followed if there are any concerns about the child’s well-being.