Children Not in School Register (England)

On May 11th 2022 the government set out proposals for the compulsory registration of children not in school (sometimes wrongly referred to as a “home education register”.) For those wondering exactly what – and how much – information might be included on the register the Fact Sheet (also referred to as a Policy Statement or Policy Briefing) which the government published alongside the Schools Bill has some illuminating – and alarming – details.

Here are some key extracts from the Fact Sheet plus my comments.

alternative provision to avert permanent school exclusion

This is the third post in my guide to school exclusion in order that the all-important conversations with the school and with the local authority – especially if the child has a statement of SEN or EHCP – can happen much earlier in the process.

Making a connection with your MP

These are some of the outcomes achieved by home educators from talking to their MPs

• Mass presentation of petitions to parliament
• Mass lobby of MPs
• Setting up of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Home Education
• Parliamentary events on various home education topics
• Private members debate in parliament
• MP visiting local groups
• MP putting forward Early Day Motions in support of home education or against increased regulation
• MP writing to the Secretary of State for Education on your behalf (it doesn’t matter which political party your MP is, all can do this)
• Opposition MPs putting your questions to one of the party spokespeople for Education

What’s New in the New HoC Note

The House of Commons Library produces briefing notes for MPs and other interested parties, and has come up with a new paper on home education just before parliament closes down for the election period. I am guessing they may have done this because home education is a topical issue with backbench MPs being asked by constituents.

Following from my last blog post, here is a quick comparison between the 2010 Note and the 2015 Note