Children Missing Education - Statutory Guidance update for Schools in England

On 8 September 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) published an updated version of the Children Missing Education Statutory Guidance for schools in England. This guidance applies to all academy trusts and governing bodies, and they are required to take notice of it.

The guidance defines children missing education (CME) as those of compulsory school age who are either not registered at a school or not otherwise receiving a suitable education, such as through approved alternative provision. Importantly, the definition does not include children who:

• Are awaiting a confirmed school place but continue in education elsewhere;
• Are receiving elective home education, provided it is deemed suitable; or
• Have attendance concerns but retain an existing school place.

The updated guidance introduces several clarifications and changes that will have implications for schools and trusts, particularly in the areas of attendance, safeguarding, and information sharing:

1. Strengthened duties on data sharing

There is now a stronger expectation for schools to share data proactively with relevant agencies and local authorities. The guidance encourages the use of national databases, such as S2S (School to School), to assist in tracing pupils who move across regions or between educational settings.

2. Requirement to support enquiries into pupil whereabouts

Schools must cooperate with reasonable enquiries when a pupil’s whereabouts are unknown. This reinforces schools’ responsibilities to act swiftly and collaboratively in circumstances where there are concerns that a child may be missing from education.

3. Focus on safeguarding and vulnerable pupils

The revised guidance places greater emphasis on children who may be at risk of exploitation, radicalisation, or other forms of harm. Schools are expected to view CME concerns through a safeguarding lens and to ensure that internal policies align with this integrated approach.

4. Updates to attendance registers and notifications

The guidance introduces new requirements regarding the removal and addition of pupils to attendance registers. Schools must now notify the local authority when:

• A pupil is withdrawn for elective home education; or

• A pupil moves without a clearly identified next educational destination.

These measures are intended to ensure that no child “slips through the net” during periods of transition or withdrawal.

5. Early intervention and preventative measures

Schools are expected to prevent children from missing education through early identification and intervention, particularly at key transition points such as the move from primary to secondary education. Processes for identifying and addressing CME should be embedded within wider safeguarding and attendance strategies to promote a holistic approach.

The updated statutory guidance reinforces the principle that ensuring children remain in education is a shared responsibility between schools, local authorities, and partner agencies. The changes underscore the need for robust record keeping, effective communication, and timely reporting to protect vulnerable pupils and maintain compliance with statutory duties.

For further information or to discuss how the updated guidance may impact your school or academy trust, please contact Thomas Emmett below.