Children missing from education

The CME (Scotland) project is a national co-ordinating body to help Children's Services find children who have disappeared from view.

It may seem unbelievable but children do go missing and if a local search proves unsuccessful, this project team will follow up with wider search across Scotland and other areas of the Uk to locate the children.

Once found, relevant information will be shared to allow appropriate contact and services to be put in place for the child.

Who are the children missing from education?
- they are children of school age but not on a school roll or being educated otherwise (at home, privately or in an alternative provision). These children have usually not attended school for a period of time.

- the child may be in need of help or support but is unable to access it. Children not in school may not have had their needs identified and there may be no-one actively connecting them to services.

- the child may be missing important experiences and opportunities to gain knowledge and skills.

- they may be isolated from other children and adults who can help them.

What can you do to help children missing from education?
- record basic information about children you are working with. If the child is of school age and not enrolled in a school, contact the local authority.
- be aware of families who relocate regularly and keep in contact with them.

If there is a child of school age who you feel may be missing from school education and without any arrangement for their support and learning, ACT NOW

For further information please contact:
CME (Scotland)
23 Walker Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7XH

Tel: 0131 260 5352
Fax: 0131 260 5379
Email: cmescotland@scotland.gsi.gov.uk