§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many infant children had approval for home education in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000; and if she will make a statement. [2865]
§ Mr. TimmsWe do not collect centrally the data requested.
Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 places a duty on parents to ensure that a child of compulsory school age receives education suitable to his or her age, ability, aptitude and any special educational need the child may have. Parents can fulfil this duty either by their child attending school regularly or otherwise. Some parents elect to educate their children at home. Local education authorities have a duty to monitor the suitability of the education being received by a home educated child by virtue of section 437 (1) of the 1996 Act and can issue a School Attendance Order if they are not satisfied that a child is receiving suitable education.