Why are more families choosing elective home education in Barnsley?

Families cite children's anxiety, bullying, special needs, and strained school relationships as primary reasons for choosing home education.

What is Barnsley Council doing about rising home schooling?

Barnsley Council launched the 'Every Child in School Everyday' plan to cut elective home education numbers and increase school attendance.

Are there safeguarding risks with elective home education?

Yes, safeguarding reviews indicate serious harm to some home-schooled children due to limited contact with services.

Home / Education / Councils Tackle Rising Elective Home Education

Councils Tackle Rising Elective Home Education

7 Jan

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Summary

Families cite anxiety, bullying, and special needs for home schooling.
Post-pandemic stress and school relationship issues cited.
Council aims to cut elective home education by a third by 2026/27.

Councils Tackle Rising Elective Home Education

A notable increase in elective home education is prompting concern among local authorities, who are addressing a combination of factors. Families are choosing to educate their children at home due to worries about anxiety, bullying, and special educational needs like autism or dyslexia. This trend is not attributed to a single cause but rather a confluence of pressures.

Key contributing factors include the lingering mental health impacts of the pandemic, difficulties within school relationships, and the challenges families face during crucial transition periods, such as GCSE years. In a few instances, elective home education is a response to a breakdown in school support or to avoid formal exclusion. While parents have the legal right to home educate, safeguarding risks are a concern when children lack regular professional contact.