Children missing education

A child missing from education (CME) is a child of compulsory school age. They are not:

  • registered at a school
  • placed in alternative provision by a local authority
  • getting suitable Elective Home Education

Reasons why children go missing from education can include:

  • not starting school at the appropriate time and therefore not entering the education system
  • being removed from school by their parents due to problems at school, disinterest, or poor attendance
  • stopping their education due to exclusion, illness or bullying.
  • not finding a suitable school place after moving to a new area
  • personal circumstances (for example if the family is homeless and they are living in temporary accommodation or a refuge, or if there are long term medical or emotional problems).

We have a duty to identify children missing from education in Hampshire where possible. We must also negotiate support for them to make sure that they get back into education.

More information

Guidance for children on school roll but absent and at risk of missing in education

Refer a child

If you are aware of a child missing education, please let us know.

Contact us

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