Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made a recent assessment of the effectiveness of schemes developed by schools and local authorities to help children who are not in education return to educational settings.

Local authorities have a duty under Section 436A of the Education Act 1996 to make arrangements to identify children not registered at school and not receiving suitable education. They have powers to make enquiries when they have reason to believe that a child is not receiving education. The department has issued statutory guidance for local authorities on ‘Children missing education’ and those receiving Elective Home Education to support them in meeting their duties.

Local authorities also have a responsibility under Section 19 to make arrangements for the provision of suitable education for children who need it. The department has issued statutory guidance on alternative provision, which includes information on the reintegration of pupils into mainstream education.

The department wants local authorities to be supported in ensuring that all children are receiving a suitable education and continues to take steps to promote best practice.

On 26 October 2023, the government opened a public consultation to gather views on proposed changes to the non-statutory elective home education guidance to local authorities and parents, with the aim of emphasising responsibilities and improving practices and relationships. This consultation is open for contributions until 18 January 2024.

The government also ran a call for evidence on improving support for children missing education from 18 May to 20 July 2023. Evidence will be used to inform future policy to ensure all children, especially the most vulnerable in our society, are safe and have access to an excellent education. The government will issue a response in due course.