Children missing from education

All children, regardless of their circumstances, are entitled to an efficient, full-time education which is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have.

Children missing education are children of compulsory school age who are not registered pupils at a school and are not receiving suitable education otherwise than at a school. Children missing education are at significant risk of underachieving, being victims of harm, child sexual exploitation or radicalisation, and becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) later in life.

Local authorities have a duty under section 436A of the Education Act 1996 to make arrangements to establish the identities of children in their area who are not registered pupils at a school and are not receiving suitable education otherwise. This duty only relates to children of compulsory school age.

Arrangements made under section 436A also play an important role in fulfilling the local authority’s wider safeguarding duties. Existing safeguarding procedures and mechanisms for reporting and recording child protection concerns are to be observed at all times.

Help us to help safeguard children by using the form on the link below and tell us in confidence if you think you know of any children who are missing from education. Please send the completed form directly to csf.cme@hertfordshire.gov.uk

The Children Missing Education (CME) Officers will then check on all school aged children (aged 5 - 16) where it appears they don't have a school place and are not being taught outside of the school system.

Jacqui Ellis - CME Officer – West area – covering Watford & Three Rivers, St Albans & Dacorum, Hertsmere

Wendy Hasler – CME Officer – East area – covering East Herts & Broxbourne, Stevenage & North Herts, Welwyn & Hatfield

A child is not defined as missing from education if they have a school place but are not attending regularly, if they are being home educated or if they attend alternative provision such as a college or Education Support Centre.

Please do not contact the CME officer with enquiries relating to removal from roll. These should always be directed to the Attendance Duty Line:

East Area
Email: attendancedutyeast@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Tel : 01992 555261

West Area
Email: attendancedutywest@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01442 454778