If a child doesn't turn up at the start of term, how long does a school have to keep their place open for?

[metranilvavin]

Um, that's it really. Does anyone know as I can't seem to find an answer online?

I'd rather not explain why as it's a very identifiable situation...

My child is first on the list for Y3. How would I find out if all the kids turned up on the first day? Council or school? Don't want to give myself false hope but this post has made me curious!

The legal position is that they can only take a child off the school roll if he is absent and they don't know where he is. If the reality is that they know exactly where he is, they can't take him off the roll even if the parents don't make contact. In that event they presumably have to start attendance procedures.

can I just add that if it is a reception place (I know op isn't) then the local council have to hold the place open for the whole year unless the child has accepted a place at another school, or tell the council they will not be taking up the place. This is because you have the right to that place once you have accepted it, and in reception you do not have to legally take up the place until the end of the year.