Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Paragraph: 41
Covid-19 appears to have driven a further rise in EHE numbers, the long-term impact of...
Conclusion
Covid-19 appears to have driven a further rise in EHE numbers, the long-term impact of which is not yet known. During the covid-19 pandemic, some may have found that educating at home worked better for them. However, some parents may have chosen EHE without a full understanding of the responsibilities it involves, risking a negative impact on their children. This highlights the ongoing need for parents to have the right support when making the decision to EHE—or to transition back into school, should they wish. In 2018, our predecessor Committee’s report Forgotten children recommended that “when a pupil is excluded from school for more than five non-consecutive days in a school year, the pupil and their parents or carers should be given access to an independent advocate” to help them navigate the process. (Education Committee, Fifth Report of Session 2017–19, Forgotten children, HC 342, para 47). We believe that such advocates could also play an invaluable role in supporting families who are considering EHE, and ensuring that they make an informed choice that is best for their families.
Paragraph Reference:
41
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
12. Within the statutory suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance, we clearly state that the head teacher should draw parents’ attention to relevant sources of free and impartial information. This information should include: • a link to statutory guidance on exclusions (https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/school-exclusion). • Coram’s Child Law Advice service can be accessed through their website https:// childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/school-exclusion/ or contacted on 0300 330 5485 from Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm. • ACE education run a limited service and can be reached on 0300 0115 142 on Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 1pm during term time. Information can be found on the website: http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/. • Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA – www. ipsea.org.uk) is a registered charity. It offers free and independent information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities. IPSEA can give advice and support on the exclusion of children with special educational needs and disabilities • Autism Education Trust (AET), via the National Autistic Society (NAS) operates a helpline and advice service for parents and carers whose child is at risk or has been excluded. They also provide guidance and advice for education professionals on good practice and the law with regard to autistic children/young people and exclusion. Contact 0207 903 3660. Website: www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk. • where considered relevant by the head teacher, links to local services, such as Traveller Education Services and the Information Advice & Support Services Network (formerly known as the local parent partnership). 13. We would already expect a similar approach to take place when dealing with parents considering withdrawing pupils to home educate. We advise that local authorities, schools, and other key professionals work together to coordinate a meeting with parents considering EHE to ensure they are making a fully informed choice that considers the best interest of the child. 14. Furthermore, the Children Not In School consultation proposed the introduction of a new duty on local authorities to provide support to home educating families, should they want it. Further details of this, along with the other proposals set out within the Children Not In School consultation, will be included in the consultation response which will be published in the coming months.