Page 70 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Children and young people who are educated at home Definition ‘Home education is a right to educate a child in their home conditional upon the parents 33 providing an efficient education suitable to the age, ability and aptitude of the child.’ Brief Overview 34 The Scottish Government document Home Education Guidance (2007), states that “every child has a right to an education, and it is the duty of the parent of every school age child to provide that education, either by sending the child to school or by other means”. One of these other means is by educating the child at home. In order to do so the local authority should be satisfied that a suitable and efficient education is provided. This education provision must take into account the age and stage of development of the child and must be of a level that prepares a child for life and helps them reach their potential. No provision is currently made in home school legislation regarding ascertaining the views of the child, nor of ensuring continuing access to school health services, nor of any measures to monitor and promote the child’s well-being. It is recognised that the majority of parents/guardians not only provide suitable education at home, but they also care and protect their children. However we acknowledge the findings of the Serious Case Review into the death of Kyhra Ishaq by Birmingham Safeguarding Children Board (2010). The review body suggest, in their report, that once Kyhra and her sibling were removed from education the children were isolated, not seen, heard or protected. The report further states in Recommendation 14 that the parents’ right to home educate outweighed the rights of the child and by doing so left the children unprotected. Further Guidance North Ayrshire Child Protection Committee reviewed the findings of the Khyra Ishaq SCR and, in response, developed multi agency guidance which expanded the processes in place for the local authority to assess suitability for home education to include the views of the child, inclusion of the child in his/her community and access to school health service. http://www.childprotectionnorthayrshire.info/download/1257 33 Home Education Guidance (2007) Scottish Government italics added 34 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/207380/0055026.pdf Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire DRAFT V1.1 March 2014 Page No:70