Children missing from education

In Staffordshire we are concerned about any child or young person living in our county who may be missing education, as it might not be just their educational development at risk but also their safety and wellbeing.

There are many reasons why children can be missing or appear to be missing education. Some never start school when they reach the statutory age, others simply disappear without anyone advising the present school of a destination and some fail to register with a new school when they move into the county.

Children missing education are... 

• children whose whereabouts are known but they do not have any educational provision in place
  
  
• children whose whereabouts are unknown and therefore so is their educational provision

 They are not ...

• children who are being educated at home.
  
  
• children whose parents have applied for a school place where the application is going through normal admissions procedures.

How can I help you?

Children missing education (CME) - if you know or suspect a child is missing from education, please let us know 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.

Professionals and agencies who have concerns about a child who may be missing education are kindly requested to complete the referral form.

CME Referral Form

Schools who have information to suggest that a child has left the UK are requested to complete a child left UK notification form for school use below. This will then allow us to make the necessary enquiries to establish that the child is receiving an education.

CME Left UK Referral Form

Who to contact

cme.referrals@staffordshire.gov.uk

Education Welfare Service Duty: 
educationcoreoffer@staffordshire.gov.uk