Annex E: Guidance Notes for completing request form for National Search
1. Prior to completing the application form the following must be checked:
- a home visit has concluded that the child is not there
- friends / relatives have been asked
- other schools in the local authority confirm the child has not transferred
- the housing department confirm that the family have left / been evicted / been re-housed
2. The form should have full and accurate details.
3. Hand written forms should be legible and completed in black ink.
4. Children withdrawn for home education and traveller children should only be referred if they are on the child protection register or there has been a child protection investigation carried out or pending.
5. Other agencies involved with the child have been checked for information.
6. If you would prefer to give details by telephone please do so.
7. Staff can become concerned about children's safety and wellbeing for many reasons, from 'gut feeling' to full disclosure. Staff should follow their instinct and take action if they feel a child may be vulnerable. It is better to refer, than not to!
8. CME Scotland will receive referrals after a local search, as early as is considered necessary by a local authority, depending on their assessment of risk. However, in all circumstances action should be taken within 20 days of a child being 'missing' from education.