Homeschooling parents will not have to tell their local authority of actual time spent educating their children, following a major amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. However, other amendments have prompted concern.
The bill, currently at report stage in the House of Lords, originally required parents to state the “actual” amount of time each child spends receiving education from parents and others. Following an agreed amendment, an “estimate of the overall total amount of time” the child receives education will suffice.
Peers also agreed an amendment extending the requirement on local authorities (LAs) to consent to the withdrawal of certain children from school for homeschooling. Under the existing framework, the LA must give consent where the parents want to withdraw children placed in special schools through an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP).
Following a further amendment, LAs will be required to consent to the withdrawal of a child who, for instance, has ever been subject to child protection enquiries; or care or supervision enquiries or proceedings; or where the LA has used its statutory duty under Section 47 of the Children Act to investigate if they suspect a child is suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm (including emotional abuse).
A separate amendment will require LAs to assess the home environment (as well as other settings where the child is being educated) within 15 days. It will also have power to request a home visit; and will be required to request a visit if the LA has ever initiated care or supervision proceedings or a Section 47 investigation.
The Christian Institute’s head of education, John Denning, said: “In the tragic circumstances where a child is at risk of serious harm from their own family, there must be intervention to protect them. But that is not what is going on when responsible parents decide to educate their child at home. The law must respect the principle that, ordinarily, it is for parents to make decisions about children.
“We can pray that the Government will remove the Conservatives’ overbroad amendment from the Bill before it becomes law and that the forthcoming regulations and guidance will place limits on home visits.”
He urged concerned Christians and others to respond to public consultations and contact their political representatives about the contents.
