No.9 Children missing from education ==================================== Contents -------- - [What do we mean by children missing from education?](#what-do-we-mean-by-children-missing-from-education) - [The Law](#the-law-relating-to-children-missing-education) - [Why is it important?](#significance-of-being-a-child-missing-from-education) - [Why do children go missing from school?](#why-do-children-go-missing-from-school) - [What should school staff do?](#what-should-school-staff-do) [ Contents](#content) Published 29/03/2022 3:06pm Last Updated 16/12/2025 4:21pm Document resources ------------------ These files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. - Download - [No.9 Children missing from education (Document)163KB](https://devoncc.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/PublicDocs/Education/IQCfIJL2_HYBSY173eGg6eyEAQuacu4EDkQJjmnWMrpUeVM?e=oNGH04) What do we mean by children missing from education? --------------------------------------------------- Children of compulsory school age (5–16 years) who: - Are **not on a school roll**, - Are **not receiving suitable education elsewhere** (e.g., home education, private tuition, or alternative provision), - And have been without access to education for a **significant period** (commonly four weeks or more). The Law ------- **Section 436A of the Education Act 1996** (inserted by the Education and Inspections Act 2006) requires Local Authorities (LAs) to: *“Make arrangements to enable them to establish, so far as possible, the identities of children in their area who are of compulsory school age but are not registered pupils at a school and are not receiving suitable education otherwise than at school.”* Under the **School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024**, schools **must notify the LA** whenever a pupil of compulsory school age is **deleted from the admission register**, except at standard transition points (unless the LA requests it). Why is it important? -------------------- Children missing education are at increased risk of: - Safeguarding concerns - Poor academic outcomes - Long-term negative impacts on life chances Why do children go missing from school? --------------------------------------- Common reasons include: - Not starting school at the expected time - Parents removing a child due to issues at school or poor attendance - Difficulty securing a school place after moving - Frequent family relocations - Problems at home What should school staff do? ---------------------------- If the child’s **future destination is unknown** or their **whereabouts cannot be confirmed**: - Complete and submit a [CME1 Referral Form](https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CME1RE/) to the Local Authority **immediately**. - Treat CME as a **safeguarding concern** and follow your school’s safeguarding procedures. **Contact details:** If you have any queries, please contact: