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Recent data obtained from UK councils, via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, reveals that the number of children switching to home education doubled in five years. The figure rose from 28,000 in 2019-2020 to over 66,000 in 2023-2024. The findings were not welcomed by the children’s commissioner for England, who believes that some families are being “forced” into home schooling. Home education had become a last resort because children were not having their needs met in schools, which parents described as being not up to standard.
The government has promised to implement a register for children who are not in school, in order to better support any home-educated children, and to reform the special educational needs and disabilities system to offer more early support and care. During the pandemic, elective home education rose dramatically, especially in the North of England and the Midlands; figures were tripled in number in the North East, and by 85% in the East of England.
The children’s commissioner is greatly concerned about so many children being home educated because the motivation is often desperation and not choice. She believes that those most likely to be electively taught are children with special needs, those at risk of exclusion, and those living in poverty-stricken areas.
For example, seven-year-old Daisy from Somerset has visual difficulties and requires a prescription of plus nine in one eye, which has necessitated eye patches and home schooling. Daisy’s mum Sarah described how her daughter was not able to read or do maths, and how emotional and withdrawn she was feeling. With the Special Educational Needs provisions almost non-existent, Sarah had no choice but to home educate. Daisy feels that her new method of education has made her happier and more confident, but eagerly and optimistically anticipates returning to school one day.
Official figures on elective home education will be published this December. The Department for Education is encouraging local authorities to share their data and will enact legislation for a Children Not in School register to enhance identification of, and support for, home-educated children. The Welsh government acknowledges the right to home educate and says that where this is the chosen option, local authorities have a legal obligation to ensure suitable provisions
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