Skip to content
  1. Do it online
  2. Login
  3. Have your say
  4. My Durham

Due to essential maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 6.00pm on Monday 2 October until 8.00am on Tuesday 3 October: our online council tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. You will also not be able to register to pay council tax online, make a change of address for council tax or cancel single person discount. You are still able to make a payment during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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.