Register of children not in school

Commenting on a register of children not in school, ADCS President Steve Crocker said:

“Education is a fundamental right for all children and we recognise that parents have the right to educate their children at home. However, we currently do not have the powers to assure ourselves that these children are receiving a suitable education in a safe learning environment. The government had previously put forward legislation for a register of all children not in school and directors of children’s services welcomed this proposal. It is therefore hugely disappointing that the Schools Bill, which carried the required legislation for a register, has been dropped.

“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, locally and nationally. 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. ADCS research has found that during the 2020/21 academic year, the number of children and young people known to be home educated in England increased by 34% from the previous year. 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

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