RE: Freedom of Information request- EHE department- Suitable Education.

In the absence of any guidance as to what constitutes a `suitable' education, the information is, therefore, based on the number of families who have to be visited more than once in a twelve month period.

Of our 63 electively home educated pupils 15 have received further follow up visits as a result of concerns regarding quality and appropriateness of provision.

If a parent decides not to accept a home visit this in itself is not a cause for concern. An alternative venue is offered and in most cases this is taken up. In the cases where parents do not wish to engage, the offer to submit evidence of the child's learning is made; this has been accepted in most cases. However, attempts are still made to engage the parents as a suitable provision is more than written work produced. The submission of a plan of education by the parents is not sufficient evidence of a suitable provision and further attempts would be made to engage with the family.