Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Head of Education Development advised members that the report provided information and data regarding the Elective Home Education service in Neath Port Talbot. The right of parents to home educate is a legal right under Section 7 of the Education Act of 1996. Currently, there are approximately 460 children registered for Elective Home Education across 34 wards.

Members enquired whether the increased number of parents opting to home educate had any financial/staffing implications for the council.

The Head of Service confirmed that the Welsh Government provided a grant of approximately £95k, which is used to provide appropriate resources for electively home educated pupils; surplus funds are used to offset staff wages. Where additional support is needed, officers will provide support. Young people are encouraged to return to a school education at an appropriate stage. It was noted that the reasons for electively home educating were varied and included anxiety, mental health issues, and cultural factors.

Officers advised members that families are offered an initial visit from the Elective Home Education Team followed by interim visits and yearly updates.

Members requested that a breakdown by ward for Electively Home Educated pupils was circulated to members of the committee. There are ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of home education and the lack of authority to enforce support. Members thanked officers for the work they were undertaking in this area.

The Head of Service confirmed that work is ongoing to engage with families.

Members enquired if support was provided to Home Education Groups and whether they were provided with any financial support.

Officers confirmed that one group had previously received financial support and were supported over a two year period, but the group had not bid for any support recently. Support is provided to other home education groups through coffee mornings for families and working with other services, including the NHS, to engage families and young people.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.