All children, regardless of their circumstances, are entitled to a full-time education which is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have.
Essex County Council defines any child not regularly attending school or accessing appropriate full-time provision in another setting as being missing from education. Children missing education (CME) are at significant risk of underachieving, being victims of abuse, and becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) later on in life.
The Education Access Team is committed to working in partnership with schools and other providers to ensure that all children have a full offer of education and attend. When schools are considering placing a child or young person a reduced timetable they should follow the guidance in the children missing education due to a reduced education offer document. Schools should notify the Education Access team when they place a child on a reduced timetable. Where necessary, the Education Access Team will endeavour to work with you to ensure that plans are in place to increase provision.
Schools must always consider the safeguarding risks to a pupil or young person who is not accessing full time education and must satisfy themselves a comprenhansive risk assessment has been undertaken. An exemplar risk assessment can be found in the reduced timetable policy document.
To notify the Education Access Team of a child who is not receiving their full educational offer, please complete the exception form below and email to: provision@essex.gov.uk
