Agenda item

Recommendations from the Education and Children’s Services Scrutiny Board (2) Task and Finish Group.

Briefing Note from Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee considered a Briefing Note of the Scrutiny Coordinator, that set out the work undertaken by Elective Home Education (EHE) Task & Finish Group and to outline the recommendations based on its findings.

Councillor Lynette Kelly, the chair of the board outlined how the Education and Children's Services Scrutiny Board (2) had established a Task and Finish Group to examine the growing number of children and young people being electively home educated in the city, aimed at understanding the reasons behind this trend, and to review how effectively the Council and partners are supporting these families. The Board had requested that Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee consider the recommendations to enable additional time for scrutiny to take place.

The group aimed to identify practical improvements, highlight gaps in policy or practice, and ensure that Coventry fulfils its statutory responsibilities while supporting positive outcomes for children.

The Task and Finish Group formed its recommendations by drawing together key evidence presented throughout its meetings. The update from the Elective Home Education (EHE) Coordinator highlighted Coventry’s strong, relationship?based approach, effective safeguarding practice, and the challenges created by rising EHE numbers and the forthcoming Children’s Wellbeing Bill. This context shaped the group’s view that Coventry’s model should be recognised nationally and that the Education Secretary should be asked to ensure proportionate expectations and provide clearer powers and a compulsory national register.

The Committee asked questions and received responses across a number of topics which, in summary, included:

·  That although there was limited data and numbers in the report, this information had been presented to the Task and Finish Group for consideration when identifying findings and recommendations.

•   That safe and wellness checks were not automatically carried out on families electing to educate at home unless there were child protection concerns raised. The Task and Finish group had discussed and reported the limited ability to enter homes, the circumstances under which police or social care can intervene, and how these constraints shape case management and safeguarding responses. The group also considered the step?by?step escalation process for non?responsive families, including missing education notices and attendance visits, and explored how safeguarding concerns determine whether a child remains on the home education register, as part of the T&F group work.
•   Concerns that if significant numbers of children withdraw from schools, this could have an impact on surplus places.

RESOLVED that, the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee:

1. Recommend that the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills:
   1. Write to the Secretary of State for Education to highlight Coventry’s effective, relationship-based home education practice and emphasise the additional burdens the new Children’s Wellbeing Bill will place on Local Authorities.
   2. Engage directly with colleges on expanding 14-16 provision for EHE pupils and use influence to support establishment of Coventry-based provision.

2. Add a review of 14–16 and post-16 provision for EHE students, identifying gaps and opportunities to expand access to qualifications to the Education and Children's Services Scrutiny Board work programme for 26/27.

3. Note and promote Coventry’s strong safeguarding approach, including effective multi?agency working, its above?minimum offer to families, and the resource implications of rising EHE numbers.