Back to School?

To coincide with the start of the new school year in September, we launched our Back to School? campaign, together with the support of the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Board, to raise awareness around children going missing from education (CME). ​

The campaign highlighted:

• the risks children missing education face
• some of the signs to watch out for
• what to do if you're concerned about a child

We all need to play our part in protecting children – identifying those who are missing from education and making sure they get back to school.

What to do

If you think a child is missing education or regularly appears to be out of school, contact the Children and Families Team (City of London Corporation):

• Call 020 7332 3621 – Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm only.
• Call 020 8356 2710 – at all other times, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Email the team: cme@cityoflondon.gov.uk

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, always call the police on 999.

What are the dangers?

Children missing from education are more likely to be at risk of:

• being abused or exploited at home
• being illegally employed
• becoming involved in criminal activity
• committing antisocial behaviour
• misusing drugs and alcohol

Which children are considered to be missing from education?

• Those not registered (on roll) at a school.
• Those not being educated at home or through another approved educational provision.

Parents can choose to educate their children at home but they must tell their local authority first. If they don't, the child will be considered as missing from education.

What are the most common reasons for children to go missing from education?

• Parents not realising at what age a child should start primary school or move up to secondary school.
• A child not attending school due to bullying, illness or other issues.
• Parents taking their child out of school due to a dispute or disagreement.
• A family moving house frequently or becoming homeless.
• A family experiencing breakdown and/or domestic abuse.
• No school places being available when a family moves to a new area.
• Parents deciding to home educate but not informing the local authority.
• Children playing a key role as a carer in their family.
• Children in domestic servitude.