Children Missing Education (CME)

Children missing education (CME) are those who are not registered at a school and are not receiving suitable education elsewhere. This page explains what CME means, why it matters, and how we work with families and professionals to ensure every child gets the education they need.

'Children Missing Education' refers to children of compulsory school age who are not on a school roll and are not receiving suitable education otherwise than at school (EOTAS). For example at home or in alternative provision.

Your child may be deemed to be ‘missing education’  if you have taken your child out of school and they have not successfully moved to their next school or setting.

This might be because:  

  • you have not registered your child’s education with us
  • you have registered your child at a school, but they have not started yet
  • you have kept your child away from school for an extended period and have not informed their school
  • your child has not successfully moved between schools or education settings

We identify children who are missing education through a variety of routes including referrals from schools, social care, health or other agencies working with families.

Parents and carers, schools and professionals should make a referral to the Children Missing Education (CME) team cme@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk if they are aware of a child or young person
living in Westmorland and Furness who may be missing from education.