Background Information:
KCC formalised its Elective Home Education (EHE) Policy in 2015. It is administered by Fair Access in CYPE. Kent children can quickly get the right support to ensure their educational needs are met at the earliest opportunity be that advice and signposting for home educating families or direct action to assist them in securing a school where they have had difficulties with this. Since 2015 the numbers have grown from 1622 in the 2015/16 academic year to 2690 in the 2018/19 academic year. There is a National trend in growth and Kent has the highest numbers in the country. It is 5 years since the Policy was last reviewed and this updated version reflects the most recent government guidance in this area of work.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/04/2020
Decision due: Not before 24th Jun 2020 by Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills
Lead director: David Adams
Department: Education & Young People's Services
Contact: Hilary Alford (Hilary.alford.gov.uk).
Consultees
No public consultation is planned or has been undertaken. There are no significant changes to the previous policy, just further clarity of wording and presentation and further alignment to government advice.
Financial implications: N/A – The Policy update will not impact existing operations financially other than to clarify the county approach and provide better information for parents.
Legal implications: Failure of the LA to publish and adhere to County Policy, could leave it open to challenge where pupils may be denied access to education to which they are legally entitled.
Equalities implications: There is no negative impact on any particular groups. There is positive impact on SEN (disability), race and religion/belief, as the policy is aimed at providing greater awareness of processes for all families who are choosing elective home education and will ensure that children are in receipt of the education to which they are legally entitled, either through Home education or by returning to mainstream education, whilst ensuring that staff working in EHE are sensitive to cultural or religious backgrounds.