Overview

This bill aims to improve the support and safeguarding of children who are home-educated in England. It requires parents of home-educated children of compulsory school age to register them with their local authority and provides for local authorities to offer support to these families.

Description

The bill mandates registration of all home-educated children of compulsory school age with their local authority. Local authorities must maintain registers containing details such as the child's name, address, parents' details, and information about their education and any special needs. Parents are required to inform the local authority about their home-educated children and provide relevant information. The bill also empowers local authorities to request information from those providing out-of-school education to home-educated children for more than a prescribed amount of time. Local authorities must provide support to home-educated children if requested by parents, which may include advice, information, and financial assistance. The bill includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance and appeals processes. Importantly, personal information about children and their families will be protected and not made publicly available.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending. While precise figures are not provided, costs will arise from the creation and maintenance of registers, the provision of support services for home-educated children and families, and the enforcement of the new requirements.

Groups Affected

• Parents of home-educated children: Required to register their children and may receive support services. Failure to comply could result in penalties.
• Local authorities: Responsible for maintaining registers, providing support, and enforcing the new regulations. Will incur increased administrative and service delivery costs.
• Providers of out-of-school education: May be required to provide information to local authorities about the children they teach, with penalties for non-compliance.
• Home-educated children: May benefit from increased oversight and access to support services.

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