17th July 2024
In response to record levels of absenteeism and the risk of children becoming part of a lost COVID generation, a new national register for children not attending school will be established under upcoming legislation. This initiative, set out in Sir Keir Starmer’s first King’s speech, aims to ensure that every child receives the education they deserve.
While its primary aim is to ensure no child is left behind, it will also help monitor cases where children are pulled out of school for forced marriage, a concern we at Karma Nirvana have had for a long time, and one of our recommendations to further protect children at risk of forced marriage in the UK.
After ten years of campaigning, on the 26th April 2022 the government passed the Bill to end child marriage in England and Wales. The implementation of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act on 27th February 2023 was an important development and a significant step towards eliminating child marriage in all its forms throughout England and Wales.
This legislation bans marriage for 16 and 17-year-olds, who are no longer allowed to marry or enter a civil partnership, even if they have parental consent, as the legal age of marriage rises to 18.
It is an illegal and a criminal offence to exploit vulnerable children by arranging for them to marry, under any circumstances, whether or not force is used.
Key Features of the New Education Bill:
- Comprehensive Child Monitoring: Local councils will be legally required to maintain a register of all children not attending school, (often referred to as “ghost children”). This includes those who are home-schooled, ensuring no child slips through the cracks.
- Enhanced Coordination: Artificial intelligence will be used to improve coordination between schools, GPs, councils, and Ofsted. This technology will help track attendance and identify patterns that may indicate underlying issues.
- Annual Safeguarding Checks: Ofsted, the schools regulator, will have access to school absence rates as part of their annual safeguarding checks, ensuring that children’s welfare is continuously monitored.
How the register can help track Child Marriages:
While the primary aim of the new register is to address absenteeism and ensure no child is left behind, it also has the added benefit of monitoring cases where children may be pulled out of school for child marriages. This has been a significant concern for us at Karma Nirvana, and we believe this measure will help protect children from such harmful practices.
The Importance of This Legislation:
Record numbers of pupils in England have been absent for prolonged periods, with data showing significant increases in severe absenteeism since the pandemic. The new register will help local authorities identify and support these children, preventing them from falling behind or being subjected to unregistered and potentially unsafe educational settings.
This legislation represents a critical step in driving high standards in education and safeguarding children’s futures. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and is protected from harm.