The CME team support any work surrounding children who have become lost from local or national education systems.

Due to the complex backgrounds which are commonly associated with CME pupils, there is always a heightened awareness of possible vulnerability, including safeguarding and therefore our team deliver a service with full understanding of possible circumstances.


The areas of work within local authorities consist of three main strands;

• Working with schools to prevent children becoming persistently absent from school. 

• Supporting children and their families to overcome barriers in attending school.

• Taking action to trace children whose whereabouts are unknown

Referring a child missing education

Where there is a concern that a child’s safety or their wellbeing is at risk, it is essential to take action without delay – these cases  should be referred to Careline.

You can read the latest CME policy here

Schools, colleges and settings should use the CME Exit form and CME Missing form to report a child who is missing education.

Other agencies should use this online form to refer them to our CME Team for tracking and support.

The Children Missing Education Team can be contacted on 0151 351 1469 or emailed at [email protected]