Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 19
The Committee unanimously supports the right of families to opt for EHE, provided it is...
Conclusion
The Committee unanimously supports the right of families to opt for EHE, provided it is in the best interests of the child and the education provided is of a suitable standard to meet the needs of the child. In the eyes of the law, the duty to secure an education for a child rests with parents. It follows that the choice to home educate should be afforded the same respect as the choice for children to attend a state or private school. However, without data on outcomes we cannot know how many children receiving EHE are getting a suitable education. For that reason, it is reasonable that local authorities have the ability to assess the suitability of education.
Paragraph Reference:
19
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
38. The Government agrees with the support from the Committee for the right of parents to opt for EHE, provided it is in the best interests of the child and the education provided is of a suitable standard. We agree that better data on outcomes is required to help Government and local authorities understand how many children receiving EHE are getting a suitable education and it is reasonable for local authorities to have the ability to assess suitability of education. The Government also remain committed to a form of registration for children not in school. This will improve local authorities’ abilities to undertake their safeguarding responsibilities, improve data and will offer support and guidance for home-educating parents. Further details will be in the government response to the Children Not In School consultation, which will be published in the coming months.