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Children missing education


Making sure children are safe, well and receive a good education is all our responsibility. This page offers information on what to do if you feel a child is missing from education.

Who are the children at risk of missing education? 

Children missing education (CME) is the term used to describe children of compulsory school age children who:

  • are not on a school roll and are not being educated in another way (for example at home, privately, or in alternative provision)
  • have been out of any educational provision for a substantial period of time and we do not know their whereabouts 

Why does this happen?

There are many reasons why children and young people fall out of the education system and are at risk of 'going missing'. These range from failing to start in a new school or appropriate education provision to simply not re-registering at a new school when they move into the area.

What can you do to help?

If you know or suspect a child is missing from education, please contact us straight away. Checks are always carried out before contacting parents or carers, so it is always better to advise us if you are in any doubt.  All information will be held confidentially and securely.