Commenting on a new report by the Children's Commissioner for England published today (Thurs 25th May), looking at vulnerable children missing from education, James Bowen, assistant general secretary for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

"While the vast majority of children in care do attend school regularly, we should be very concerned about the small percentage that are currently not attending any school at all; particularly as we know that schools can provide a vital layer of protection for some of our most vulnerable children.

"Reasons for pupils in care missing school are usually complex and varied, and include issues such as mental ill-health, as well as a feeling of difference to their peers. This can be exacerbated by the distance between school and a care placement.

"The support these young people require is intensive and complex. Schools play a vital role in supporting children in care, but they certainly can’t do this alone – where children are absent from school it is essential that other services step in and support too. Central to the response to this issue should be a properly funded and well-resourced social care service that has the capacity to give these young people the level of support and care they need."