link to page 1 Independent Review of Home Education 
 
Rationale 
 
Vulnerable children who are being home educated may pose an increased 
concern in terms of their safety, wellbeing and education.  The independent 
review is seeking specific evidence on: 
 
i) the 
prevalence of ‘vulnerable’ children in your current EHE 
caseload; 
ii) the 
type of vulnerability you have encountered in the past and / or 
are experiencing currently. 
 
Your views as to what measures could be taken to improve the safety, 
wellbeing and education of these children are also sought.   
 
In relation to (i) above:  
 
1. 
What proportion of your current EHE caseload is known to Social 
Care in the following capacities?  Please include open and closed cases. 
 
Please note increase in Children Educated at Home caseload based on 
May 2009 figures.  
 
Type 
Number  
% of caseload 
Section 47 enquiry1
78 10% 
Section 37 (care orders) 
9 
1.1% 
Children who are or have been subject to 
7 0.9% 
child protection plan (or previously on the 
child protection register) 
Other (please specify) 
 
 
Total number of children
94 12% 
 
2.  
What proportion of your current caseload do you estimate have 
safeguarding implications? 
 
Number  
% of caseload 
Total number of children
781  
Parent with mental health issues 
8 
1% 
Child with mental health issues 
38 (known to 
5% 
CAMHS – based on 
parental disclosure) 
Parent with substance misuse issues 
6 
0.8% 
Domestic violence 
12 
1.5% 
Child abuse or neglect (current or previous) 
8 
1% 
Other family circumstances 
 
 
Concerns but cannot determine due to 
14 1.8% 
inability to see the child 
Other (please describe) 
 
 
Concerns about parental ability / capacity to 
Literacy levels 
 
undertake home education (not covered 
are not always 
adequate to 
above).  Please specify reason: 
fulfil 
                                                 
1 Do not include cases that did not lead to further action. 
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commitment to 
home 
education.  
  
3. 
Request for case studies 
 
In relation to (ii) above, please provide two or three anonymised case studies 
(more if you wish) describing cases where you have specific safeguarding 
concerns.  Within your description please provide information detailing your 
specific concerns including any issues around obtaining relevant information 
about the child from the parent or child (including difficulties in gaining access 
to the child).  Your views as to what measures could be taken to improve the 
safety, wellbeing and education of these children are also invited.   
 
To follow if requested. 
 
Additional information 
 
4.  
In your estimation, what proportion of your current caseload is 
not receiving any education? 
 
 
Estimate of 5 – 6%. Note: Where the Local Authority is not satisfied that a 
child is receiving a suitable education, appropriate action is always taken.   
 
5. 
In your estimation, what proportion are home educating to avoid 
prosecution for attendance issues? 
 
 
Estimate – 9% based on numbers of pupil experiencing significant attendance 
issues prior to decision to home educate and failure to engage with 
appropriate agencies to address these issues.  
 
6. 
What proportion of EHE youngsters became NEET (please use the 
latest data you have available and note the timeframe in your response). 
 
 
7% - Based on 2007/8 post 16 destinations.  
 
 
 
 
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