The below is intended as a guide and should be followed in conjunction with existing safeguarding policies and procedures.

– Childs parents contacted – text/phone call.

– If no response after several attempts, ring other emergency contacts. School should have more than one emergency number for each child.

– School can then do a home visit.

– If there are still concerns contact other agencies who are involved with the family and may have had recent contact e.g; Sibling’s schools, Health visitor, housing service.

– Do consult with your cluster council Education Welfare Services EWS to seek advice and support in these cases.

– Do consider consulting you cluster Education Psychologist – for advice around emotional based school avoidance.

– Consider taking case to Team Around the School TAS.

When contacting other agencies be clear why you are seeking information, if it’s due to potential safeguarding concerns for the child, state this clearly.

· You may also consider asking the child’s friends if they have had any contact.

· Schools can also seek advice from their school link hub and social workers and Safer Schools Police Officer.

· If there is a worker already involved (e.g. social worker/hub worker) ensure you are communicating directly and regularly with them about your concerns.

Do ensure good, supportive, communication with the family and other agencies from the outset. However if this is not successful e.g. after failed visits by agencies; please inform the family when you will next visit to see the child and make it clear that if you fail to see the child, statutory agencies may need to be contacted as you are concerned about the child’s welfare.

Social care will become involved if there is evidence to suggest risk of significant harm.