Response to specific points: 

The impact COVID-19 has had on home educated children, and what additional measures might need to be taken in order to mitigate any negative impacts.

The pandemic has led to an increase in the number of families adopting home education.

Greater advice and support needs to be available so that families make the best choices for their children. Knowledge will support sustainable, long term choices to be made rather than reactionary short-term options. 

Additional measures to mitigate negative impact could include increasing the knowledge of school leaders to allow a full understanding of any child leaving the school roll. School leaders may not always be fully aware of all the legal issues associated with children not being in school. This requires effective inclusive education to be taught at every stage of teacher and leadership development. Such an education should happen at Initial Teacher Training but also requires new and existing leaders to be trained in the need for inclusive leadership. The use of inclusively focused National Leadership Qualifications would be effective here. 

It is essential that families’ decisions to home school are treated with respect. 

Full response to consultation