The initiative to create a register for children who are not attending school in England has begun to solidify, forming part of a comprehensive bill intended to be introduced to Parliament this Tuesday. The Department for Education (DfE) has articulated that this measure is crucial for local councils to identify the whereabouts of children and ensure that high-quality educational resources are accessible to every child. This endeavor is part of a broader effort to enhance child protection and educational outcomes across the country.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson characterized the legislation, formally known as the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, as a “seminal moment for child protection” during her announcement. She emphasized that it would facilitate better oversight of children’s educational access and enhance the support provided by councils. The proposed register is set to come into effect in 2025, reflecting a significant shift in how children’s education is monitored within the English school system.
In addition to establishing a register, the new legislation stipulates that teachers and educational institutions will have a voice in the safeguarding decisions affecting children in their jurisdictions. If a child’s home situation is evaluated as unsuitable or unsafe, local authorities will then be empowered to take necessary actions. This change underscores an evolving understanding of educational oversight and a commitment to child welfare, as articulated by Phillipson, who mentioned that recent failures by the state in protecting vulnerable children must no longer be accepted.
A new unique identifier number, akin to a national insurance number for adults, will be allocated to children across various services. This element of the bill aims to create a more integrated approach to monitoring and caring for children at risk. The tragic case of 10-year-old Sara Sarif, who died after being deregistered from school for home education, significantly influenced this policy shift. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers posed by the lack of oversight in home education scenarios.
Under the proposed plans, parents will not retain an automatic right to homeschool if their child is registered under a child protection plan. Instead, obtaining local council approval will become mandatory. This change seeks to elevate the safety protocols related to home education, a concept previously advocated for by the Conservative government, which had also aimed to establish a register for out-of-school children.
The issue of children being home-educated has become increasingly pressing, as evidenced by recent statistics from the government indicating a 20% rise in home-educated children in England this year alone. Concerns have been raised by organizations such as the Education Policy Institute, warning that up to 300,000 children may be entirely missing from educational institutions, further highlighting the urgency of implementing these policies.
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza articulated the significance of this legislation, stating, “Writing these two landmark measures into law will be of huge significance for any child currently at risk of harm in this country.” She stressed the necessity for enhanced data-sharing between organizations to ensure no child becomes invisible within the educational system.
Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, welcomed the introduction of the register as a positive and long-overdue safeguarding measure. He noted that the government’s commitment to protecting children from abuse and ensuring vulnerable children do not slip through the cracks is commendable and aligns with the ongoing efforts to reform educational policies.
First introduced during the King’s Speech, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill encompasses a broader range of initiatives, including the provision of free breakfast clubs at all primary schools and measures to limit the necessity for branded school uniforms, indicating a holistic approach to enhancing the educational landscape in England. This multifaceted approach aims to address not just educational gaps but also the overall wellbeing and safety of children across the nation.
