Redcar and Cleveland Council has experienced a dramatic increase in home education. During the 2023/24 academic year, 430 children were enrolled in homeschooling. That’s an increase of 22% over last year. Should the government make significant cuts to this program, educational advocates are understandably worried about what that would mean for children’s learning and development.
The annual report published by Redcar and Cleveland Council, a Labour-led authority located in North East and Cumbria, highlights this growing trend. The report shines a light on an alarming increase of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Educating at Home (EH). This ongoing trend requires our immediate action as advocates. The number of SEND students being home-schooled is increasing steeply. Weighty on the current substantial net expansion of home education across the council area.
Now, in unprecedented numbers, families are taking their children out of traditional classrooms. They are motivated by fears that traditional public schools will not sufficiently serve their children’s unique learning needs.
“This implies that families do not feel schools are meeting their children’s SEND needs,” – The report by the Labour-led authority.
While acknowledging the rights of families to choose home education, the council emphasizes the importance of traditional schooling for most children.
“Families have every right to electively home educate their children, and many of these families meet children’s educational needs well,” – report.
This statement reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring that educational provisions remain inclusive and accessible to all children, particularly those with SEND.
“However, we also know most children thrive in a school environment and we continue to work with schools and parents to ensure these children can attend a school.”
Redcar and Cleveland Council intentionally keeps a very close eye on its annual total children home educated. In so doing, they hope to gain insight into what has fueled this encouraging trend. The council’s report suggests that some families have opted for this route as they believe it better suits their child’s educational requirements.
The rising numbers have sparked discussions about how schools can adapt to better accommodate students’ varying needs. In reaction, the council has promised to work more directly with schools and parents.
The rising numbers have sparked discussions about how schools can adapt to better accommodate students’ varying needs. In response, the council has pledged to collaborate more closely with schools and parents.
“We are working with schools and parents to ensure that our educational provision across the borough is inclusive,” – report.
