ABSTRACT
This chapter is based upon work carried out at the Sheaf Centre — an action research project established in Sheffield local education authority, the aim of which was to contribute to the Authority's understanding of non-attendance. The vast majority of pupils of secondary school age, up to 16 years, are expected to attend. Exceptions include those whose parents have arranged alternative education for them, which appears to be a small, but increasing population. Many family factors contribute to the definition of 'disadvantage', in addition to those which are related to poverty. For example, the persistent absentees in Galloway's study were significantly more likely to be concerned about the mother's health. Schools are also known to be an important factor in absenteeism. As an action-research project the very existence of the Sheaf Centre acknowledged the lack of understanding of the problems of children who refused to attend school.
