Children missing education

Also called CME

A child of compulsory school age not on any school roll and not otherwise educated. Councils must find them.

What it is

Children missing education are children of compulsory school age who are not registered at a school and not receiving suitable education otherwise.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to establish, so far as possible, the identity of such children.

Where it applies

Any child not on a roll and not home educated — after a family move, after an exclusion, after arriving from abroad, or where a placement has collapsed.

How it works

Schools must notify the council when a pupil is added to or removed from the admission register at non-standard transition points, and after 10 school days of continuous unauthorised absence.

It is a safeguarding matter as much as an education one: children out of education entirely are at markedly higher risk.

What you can ask for

If your child has no school place, contact the council's CME or admissions team directly rather than waiting. Ask what is being arranged under section 19 in the meantime.

Ask for the Fair Access Protocol to be applied.

Where to get help

The council's CME team. Child Law Advice for the legal position.