Rugby MP Mark Pawsey last week drew attention to the significant increases in the number of children being educated at home during Questions to the Prime Minister, Theresa May.
Recent reports suggest that home-schooling has increased by 40% over the last three years, with over 50,000 children now being educated at home. In response to growing calls for greater oversight of the present rules around home education the Government has launched a consultation on the issue which ends in July.
Speaking after Prime Minister’s Questions Mark said:
“It is clear that an increasing number of families are choosing to educate their children at home. It is important that we establish why this is the case and that children who are being home-schooled are receiving a well-rounded and appropriate education.”
Mark continued:
“It is also important that we recognise the rights of parents to educate their children at home and ensure that they are properly supported throughout their child’s education. Many home-educated children are receiving an excellent, well-rounded, education but is absolutely right that Government and local councils are able to safeguard, and fully assess, the education and welfare of all children not being taught within schools throughout their education.”
Mark concluded:
“I recently met with senior staff at Warwickshire County Council to discuss a range of issues relating to education provision in Rugby including the rise in the number of children being educated at home. I have been encouraged by the £13 billion investment by the Government to create 600,000 more school places by 2021, and the £10 billion of funding for maintaining and improving existing schools, and as Rugby continues to grow I will be doing everything that I can to ensure that every local child has an good education.”
In response to Mark’s question the Prime Minister highlighted the present Government consultation into home education and reiterated her commitment to ensuring that every child receives an appropriate level of education at all times.
Marks Question to the Prime Minister can be found online using the link below:
https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2018-04-25/debates/0B64A943-B80B-…