Schools should keep more than one contact number for pupils “where reasonably possible”, according to government guidance updated after the tragic death of a four-year-old.

The updated Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance takes effect from September.

It follows the death of Chadrack Mbala Mulo, who was missing from school for two weeks, after his mother, Esther Eketi-Mulo, died from an epileptic fit. 

When Chadrack, who had autism and was mute, did not turn up for at Morningside primary school in Hackney, staff attempted to phone his mother several times.

They also tried to visit her flat in a nearby tower block several days later, but could not get past the building’s security entry system.

Chadrack starved to death two days before he and his mother were discovered.

The coroner involved in the inquest into Chadrack’s death called for measures to be introduced to avoid a similar situation arising again.

Since the tragedy, the school has changed its policy and now holds contacts for three adults for each pupil. Where no one can be reached by telephone, staff go to the family home immediately and call the police if they cannot gain entry.

The Department for Education wants other schools to follow suit. The guidance states:  “Where reasonably possible, schools and colleges should hold more than one emergency contact number for each pupil or student

“This goes beyond the legal minimum and is good practice to give the school or college additional options to make contact with a responsible adult when a child missing education is also identified as a welfare and/or safeguarding concern.”

Nadhim Zahawi, minister for children and families, said: “Schools and colleges play an important part in keeping children safe, so it’s right we take the necessary steps to ensure staff have the guidance and support they need to deal with concerns about a child.”