Presentation from Julie McDowell
Minutes:
A presentation was given to the Committee on Elective Home Education (EHE) and Education other than at School (EOTAS).
Committee was advised that EHE is the responsibility of the local authority to ensure satisfactory education is being received. There has been a slight increase in the number of children being home education during the pandemic. However, in comparison to neighbouring authorities the increase in Gateshead has only been very slight (7.14%).
It is hoped that government strengthen the guidance for local authorities in the future as, at present, officers have no legal right to enter homes. It was however noted that the Fair Access Link Worker does have very positive relationships with the majority of families who are home educating their children.
It was reported that over the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in families in Gateshead choosing to electively home educate. In 2020/21 there are 247 children on Gateshead’s home education register, a 20% increase from 2019/20. In September 2020 there were 36 young people removed from schools, this was an 89% increase than any previous monthly figure over the previous 4 years. In 2020/21 47 children left primary schools and 44 left secondary schools, the main reasons for this being given as ideological, emotional wellbeing and Covid anxieties.
In 2020/21 37 children returned to school after being electively home educated, an increase of 137% from 2019/20.
Schools are encouraged to get officers involved in early discussions between parents and the school. In 2020/21 7 parents were referred to the Legal Intervention Team for School Attendance Orders, this represented a 28% decrease from 2019/20.
As at 7 October 2021 there were 150 children and young people being home educated which represents 1-1.5% of the student population. 5% of these pupils are known to social services.
A breakdown of primary and secondary schools and the number of pupils who have left to be EHE was provided.
The three year trend for permanent exclusions was provided from 2019/20 onwards. It was confirmed that all permanently excluded pupils are receiving full time education from the sixth day, usually through River Tyne Academy. It was noted that the River Tyne model is aimed at reintegrating the pupil back into a mainstream setting.
For children and young people on the EOTAS register this relates to those children requiring home and hospital tuition. Generally 10 hours per week teaching is offered, however this depends on medical advice and the wishes of the parents. The DfE defines full time education as 18 hours per week, however there is a caveat for 10 hours for these particular pupils. Each case is continually reviewed.
It was questioned as to what happens with the funding for a child who is EHE and whether households can join together to share resources. It was noted that some families provide all of the education whereas some blend home education with a private provider or commission a provider for the full week. It was confirmed that the service is good at signposting parents to resources and providers. In terms of the funding for that child the school will not receive the funding, although there will be a funding lag.
It was questioned whether there is any record of how successful these pupils are, for example in terms of exam results. It was confirmed that exam results are received by the Fair Access Worker and that generally parents are quite keen on their electively home educated children moving into post 16 education or training. It was agreed that information would be shared with the Committee on exam results data and also data on re-entry into school.
Concerns were raised about those children that the authority does not have eyes on. It was acknowledged that is why there should be stronger government guidance as child safety is paramount and it would be beneficial to have similar powers to officers in social care in terms of being able to enter homes.
It was noted that there are very few numbers of young people in the care system who are EHE and that a multi-agency EHE group is in place so if there are any safeguarding issues action can be taken.
Committee also requested that the names of recommended providers be circulated to Committee members.
RESOLVED - That the information provided be noted.