Management Information Sheet

The Local Authority (LA) has seen an increase in the number of children known to be home educated in Norfolk since 2012. The results of a survey undertaken by ADCS (published May 2016) indicate that this increase is mirrored in other areas of England. Whilst we know that the reasons for home education appear to be multi-faceted and there is no one clear reason for this rise, it is important that when a child becomes home educated Services to Home Educators receives all relevant information (including safeguarding information) as quickly as possible in order to provide children and their parents with appropriately targeted support and guidance.

Schools can only delete a pupil's name from the admission register when a parent has confirmed to them in writing that it is their wish now to educate their child at home. When the letter has been received, schools should notify the LA by completing both a CME1 form in line with LA procedures and the attached referral form as fully as possible.

Upon receipt of notification and evidence of a parent's intention to home educate their child, Services to Home Educators will make contact with the family to offer advice and support and to establish so far as is possible whether the child is receiving a suitable education. Whilst the LA has no statutory duties in relation to monitoring the quality of home education on a routine basis, under Section 437(1) of the Education Act 1996, the LA shall intervene if it appears that parents are not providing a suitable education.

In some cases, families and other professionals have indicated that parents have been advised by schools to home educate where a child may be experiencing problems related to behaviour, educational needs or poor attendance. The DfE guidance is clear that 'Schools must not seek to persuade parents to educate their children at home as a way of avoiding an exclusion or because the child has a poor attendance record. In the case of exclusion, they must follow the statutory guidance. If the pupil has a poor attendance record, the school and local authority must address the issues behind the absenteeism and use the other remedies available to them.'

Where information indicates that a school may have advised parents in a way contrary to the guidance, the LA will contact the school to discuss the case and agree a way forward in respect of the child's education.

Should you have any further questions, please contact Services to Home Educators on 01603 307733. Thank you for your support with this matter.