Comment on Schools Week EHE figures

Heather Sandy, Chair of the ADCS Educational Achievement Policy Committee said:

“These latest findings come as no surprise. We are hearing concerns from local authorities across the country that the number of children becoming electively home educated continues to rise significantly, yet we lack the powers to assure ourselves that these children are receiving a suitable education in a safe learning environment. We have long raised with government the need for a register that gives us a full understanding of the number of children being home educated. It is therefore hugely disappointing that the Schools Bill, which carried the required legislation for a register, has been dropped.

“Education is a fundamental right for all children and we recognise that parents have the right to educate their children at home. Concerns arise is when the decision to home educate is not a well-informed, considered decision but as a result of the relationship between a school and family breaking down; when it is used as a cover for an informal exclusion; or is a further symptom of parental abuse and neglect. Whilst a register in and of itself will not keep children safe, it will help to establish exactly how many children are being educated other than at school and assist with the identification of children who are vulnerable to harm.

“This is clearly a pressing issue that must be a priority for government. If it is still committed to achieving such a register then we urge it to move at pace and ensure we don’t lose momentum.”

ENDS

---

---