Daily roundup: care absconding, early years bursaries and schools funding

An investigation has been launched into why hundreds of children go missing after being placed in care in Kent. The BBC reports that in 2011/12, more than 200 children were reported missing for more than 24 hours. Kent has around 1,800 children in its care system, with a further 1,200 children placed in care in the county from other areas, who remain the responsibility of their home local authority. Jenny Whittle, head of children's services at the authority said a working group of county councillors will be set up to find out why children are going missing.

Bursaries of up to £1,500 will be offered to those wanting a career in early education, the government has announced. The £2m apprenticeship bursary scheme for the early years profession will also offer a further £300 for more training, from September. There will be up to 1,000 bursary places available.
Childcare minister Elizabeth Truss said: “Providing good quality early education is proven to help young children get a head-start in life, especially those who are from poorer backgrounds. I hope these bursaries encourage students to consider working in early education.”