CHILDREN MISSING EDUCATION
Who are children missing education (CME)?
Children of compulsory school age who are:
- Not registered with a school and not being educated otherwise.
- Children with significant absence from their registered school without good reason
Children miss education for a number of reasons including:
- Fail to start school at the appropriate time so do not enter the educational system;
- Removed from their registered school by parents
- They cease to attend, due to illness or bullying
- They may be excluded from school (formally and informally)
- Fail to find a suitable school place after moving to a new area
- Complexity of needs and no suitable school place is available
Children and young people in the following groups are more likely to be
missing from education
-
Pupils at risk of harm or neglect
- Children of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller families
- Families of Armed Forces
- Asylum Seekers and Refugees
- Missing children/runaways from home or care
- Children & young people supervised by the Justice system
- Children who cease to attend school
- Young people returning from custody
- Children & young people new to the country
- Looked after children & children who are privately fostered
- Children & young people living in temporary accommodation/refuge
- Young people (reached 16 but still of compulsory school age) in supported lodgings or living independently
- Young carers
- Teenage parents
Why is it important to get children missing education back in school?
Children who are not in school could be missing out on vital educational and social opportunities and experiences. Some of them may be at risk of harm or be in situations that are unsafe.
Children who are not in school are at greater risk of involvement in criminal activity and becoming victims of crime themselves. There is also a higher risk of being sexually exploited and/or radicalised.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is keen for you to tell us about any child that you consider is not receiving education or perhaps have left your residential area; this will enable an enquiry to make sure that they are safe and receiving an appropriate education. You can tell the council by telephone, letter or email and can do this confidentially if you choose.
For further information or advice please contact Children Missing Education Service
Contact 01225 394241 or email cmes@bathnes.gov.uk
