What do we mean by Children Missing from Education (CME)?

All children of compulsory school age (5-16 years) who are not on a school roll, being educated otherwise (e.g. at home, privately, or in alternative provision) and who have been out of educational provision for a substantial period of time (usually agreed as four weeks or more).

Why do children go missing from education?

There are a number of reasons, including:

• they don't start school at the appropriate time and so they do not enter the educational system;
• they are removed by their parents due to problems at school, disinterest or poor attendance;
• they cease to attend due to exclusion, illness or bullying;
• they fail to find a suitable school place after moving to a new area;
• the family move home regularly; or
• problems at home.

What to do if you are concerned?

If you are aware of children who are not either in school or receiving education at home then please contact us. You can do this confidentially either by phone, letter or using our e-mail address.  Details of how to contact us can be found at the bottom of this page.  Please also tell us if you have any concerns about children who have gone missing from your area or neighbourhood. If the family members include younger children we will speak to our colleagues from other agencies who may have contact with them to make sure that they are safe and their needs are being met.

What will happen when I report a concern?

All concerns are passed to the Education Social Work Service in North Yorkshire. Someone will then visit the family and arrange for some appropriate education. If the children need some support to help them get back into school this will be provided. When children have gone missing from the area we will use the national network of children missing from education coordinators to enquire whether they have arrived safely in a new school.

Who should be notified of Children Missing from Education?

All Local Authorities now have a designated person responsible for receiving details of children missing from education and for getting support for them from the most appropriate agency. Contact details can be found below.

Useful downloads Leaflet - Are you concerned about a child not in school? [974kb] [pdf] Children who are not in school could be missing out on vital opportunities and experiences. Using the details in this leaflet, please contact us if you are aware of children who are not either in school or receiving education at home.   Contacts Children missing from education co-ordinator cme.coordinator@northyorks.gov... Tel: 01609 532477 Full details for Children missing from education co-ordinator