Mark Pawsey, Conservative MP, Rugby:
What steps is the Secretary of State for Education taking to ensure that local authorities are able to guarantee an adequate education for home-schooled children?
Robert Goodwill, Minister of Sate (Department for Education):
Parents have a duty under section 7 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure that a child of compulsory school age receives an efficient and full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude, and any special education needs – either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. ‘Otherwise’ includes education at home. Local councils have a duty under section 436A of the 1996 Act to identify so far as possible children who may not be receiving a suitable full-time education. This allows them to make informal enquiries of parents about the education provided. If a local authority is not satisfied that the education is suitable, it can begin a process of formal notice, asking the parents to satisfy them. If the local council remains dissatisfied it can issue a school attendance order which can result in prosecution if the parent does not comply.
[Ref: Home education: Standards https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2017-10-18.108625.h&s=%27Home+Education%27#g108625.r0)%5D
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