Post by jo70mo on Sept 30, 2011 11:18:48 GMT 1
Annex 1 - Procedures
Initial Enquiries
If a parent is considering EHE and their child is not currently registered at a school, the Elective Home Education (EHE) Team will be able to offer advice to assist them in making a decision but there is no legal duty to notify the LA. Where a child is a registered pupil and the parent is considering EHE then it may be helpful to discuss any concerns with the school.
Decision to home educate
If a parent decides to educate their child at home and the child is on a school roll the parent must advise the head teacher in writing and request that the pupil be removed from roll because provision is being made otherwise than at school. On receipt of that notification the school should notify the CME team no later than the date of removal from roll (The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 (as amended) Regulations 8(1) (d) and 12(3)) using the CME9 form.
Schools should attach the parental letter requesting removal from roll with the referral to CME. The school should also complete a Common Transfer Form and submit via the s2s website using code MMM/MMMM. On receipt of the notification the CME team will forward the referral to the EHE team. NB Where the pupil is on the roll of a special school under arrangements made by the local authority the pupil must not be removed from roll until permission is given by the LA following the process set out in section 5 above.
Where a child is the subject of a School Attendance Order (SAO) similarly the pupil must not be removed from roll until confirmation is received from the LA's EHE team that the SAO has been revoked. The parent must apply to the LA to have the order revoked before they can seek to remove their child from the school's admission register. The school should complete the CME9 to notify of the withdrawal from school so that appropriate enquiries can be made, should the request for revocation not be received. The LA will consider any such request and make arrangements for the SAO to be revoked unless there are exceptional reasons known to the authority to suggest this should not happen. Once the SAO has been revoked the EHE team will advise the school that the pupil may then be removed from roll.
On receipt of notification from the CME team the child's details will be placed on the EHE database and arrangements made for follow up as set out below. NB Where a parent has clearly indicated that the removal from roll for EHE is a temporary arrangement pending admission to an alternative school with an agreed start date, the child's details will be placed on the database but will not be allocated for immediate follow up action. At the proposed re-admission date enquiries will be made to determine whether the child has re-entered school and can consequently be removed from the database, or needs to be identified for further CME/EHE follow up.
Enquiries will be made of Children's Social Care (CSC) to ascertain whether the family is known to them and, where there is current involvement, to ensure they are aware of the change in educational provision. This will also allow CSC to consider any implications for their future casework.
Following registration with EHE team – no statement of special educational needs
Paragraph 87 of the statutory guidance for local authorities in England to identify children not receiving a suitable education confirms that in order to comply with this duty "local authorities need to make arrangements which will as far as possible enable them to determine whether any children who are not pupils at schools, such as those being educated at home, are receiving suitable education. In order to do this local authorities should make inquiries with parents educating children at home about the educational provision being made for them."
Consequently, when the notification from CME and the associated documentation are received a letter of confirmation of EHE and a registration card will be sent out to parents within five working days. A minimum of 25 working days will be allowed from the date of registration to give the family time to adjust to the new situation. A support worker/officer from the EHE team will then make contact to propose a home visit or to clarify whether the family prefer an alternative form of contact with the LA. Where a visit has been agreed, a letter confirming the initial visit appointment will be sent within 15 days together with a copy of the discussion document EHE 1A which will form the basis of the initial visit. The initial visit will therefore not take place before a minimum of 40 working days will have elapsed.
Where the parent indicates they would prefer to provide information relating to educational provision otherwise than through a home visit, discussions will take place to agree the timescale and method by which such information will be provided to the LA.
During an initial home visit the support worker/officer will discuss the proposed educational provision with the parent and child, using form EHE 1A which the parents should have received in advance so they can prepare for the visit. The support worker/officer will discuss with the parents and the child their long term plans for the future. Most importantly this will give the child an opportunity to express their views regarding their education. The support worker/officer will offer advice on what might be considered to be ‘suitable and efficient’ education, if requested.
Following a home visit, or consideration of the information provided, if the support worker/officer is satisfied that suitable full time education is taking place the support worker/officer will
Agree with the parents arrangements for follow up contact in approximately 12 months to review progress; ascertain the parents' preference in respect of how they will continue to demonstrate that they are providing a suitable education; and confirm either that an appointment for a home visit will be notified in due course, or agree a date by which parents should provide a written report on progress.
Send the EHE form 1D to summarise the points discussed during the meeting/set out in the information provided and confirming that the child will remain on the EHE database for the next twelve months.
If following a home visit/receipt of information from parents there are some concerns the support worker/officer will arrange for additional information to be provided within 15 working days. This arrangement will be confirmed in writing. On evaluation of the information supplied the support worker/officer may offer suggestions for improvement and request further contact if necessary.
Following the visit/review of any information, a copy of the final report confirming that the education taking place is now considered satisfactory will be sent to the parents within 20 working days.
If however concerns remain the parents will be informed in writing that the case has been referred to the CME officer.
Following registration – children with statements of special educational needs
For children with a statement of SEN who were in mainstream schools and are therefore no longer registered at a school, the procedures will be as set out above for children without statements but with the following additions. At the point when the EHE support worker/officer is satisfied that provision is suitable, they should also notify the IDSS in order to ensure the statement is reviewed and amended to reflect the new arrangements. Where the EHE support worker/officer has concerns regarding the provision being made, they will consult with the relevant IDSS team regarding ongoing assessment and support. Any referral to CME will be made in consultation with the IDSS team.
For children who were in a special school and are therefore still registered at the school, the initial contacts must also seek to establish how the parent is meeting any special educational needs set out in the statement. Once the EHE support officer/worker is in a position to make a recommendation regarding the suitability of the EHE provision being made, they will contact the IDSS team to agree a date for a review of the statement to take place.
The review meeting will determine whether or not the IDSS are prepared to amend the statement to reflect the EHE provision being made, in which case consent will also be given to the child's name being removed from roll. If the IDSS are not prepared to amend the statement then the child will remain on roll and the parent notified that the LA expects the child to return to school.
Follow up contact.
Lancashire Local Authority has the same high aspirations for the achievement of children who are electively educated at home as for all other children and young people. Once the LA is satisfied that suitable educational provision is being made for a child who is on EHE, the question arises as to what further action, if any, is required.
Although the EHE guidelines indicate that LAs have no statutory duties in relation to monitoring the quality of home education on a routine basis, we are required by Section 436A of the Education Act 1996 to "make arrangements" to enable us to identify, so far as it is possible to do so, children whose home education is unsatisfactory. The statutory guidance for that duty states in paragraph 21 " The purpose of the duty is to make sure that children not receiving, or at risk of not receiving, a suitable education are identified quickly, and effective tracking systems and support arrangements are put in place ..... a speedy response when problems are first identified is crucial to implementing this duty. The longer a child misses out on education, the more likely those problems will become entrenched, and the more difficult it can be to respond effectively to their needs. Early intervention will enable the local authority and other partners in the Children’s Trust to ensure that action is taken to provide any child identified with a suitable education ..."
We are therefore clear that the follow up arrangements we have in place for EHE form a distinct and necessary part of the LA's arrangements for being able to determine that appropriate provision continues to be made for children whose parents have elected to home educate. This allows us to discharge our obligation to "make arrangements" to identify children whose home education is unsuitable or which has, over time, become unsuitable.
If the EHE support worker/officer is satisfied that a suitable education is taking place following the initial and any follow up visit(s), or consideration of information and reports provided by the parents, then annual contact will continue following the same procedure as above either by a home visit or through submission of reports At any time where the support worker/officer has concerns regarding the suitability of provision, further information may be requested in accordance with paragraph 2.8 of the EHE Guidelines for LAs. The support worker/officer will always try to support parents in cases where concerns exist about the suitability of a child’s education to seek a resolution before any consideration of legal intervention becomes necessary.
Other considerations
Examinations
Parents will be able to discuss with the EHE team ways in which they can arrange for their child to sit examinations and courses. However parents are reminded that they are responsible for making the arrangements and for any costs incurred. The EHE team will where possible provide information about examination centres in Lancashire known to be willing to take external candidates.
Work Experience
Parents should be aware that the exemptions relating to child employment legislation to enable young people to undertake work experience only apply with respect to work experience arranged by a governing body or local authority. Consequently, there is currently no option for EHE families to arrange work experience opportunities that would be lawful where such activities are in conflict with the legislation restricting child employment.
Curriculum
Parents’ educational provision will reflect a diversity of approaches and interests. Some parents, especially those who have other children attending school, may wish to provide education following a traditional curriculum and using a fixed timetable that keeps to school hours and terms. Other parents may decide to make more informal provision based on the developing interests of their child.
One approach is not necessarily, of itself, more efficient or effective than another. Although some parents may welcome general advice and suggestions about resources, methods and materials, Lancashire EHE support workers/officers will not specify a curriculum for parents to follow.
Children learn in different ways and at different times and speeds. It is appreciated that parents and their children might require a period of adjustment before finding their preferred mode of learning.
Concerns and non compliance
Where a visit has been agreed, if the parent is not available when the EHE support worker/officer calls at the arranged time he/she will leave a calling card and subsequently write requesting the parent to make contact so as to re-arrange the visit/suggest alternative arrangements for providing information regarding their child's education.
Should parents fail to respond to the EHE support worker/officer or to provide information regarding educational provision after two letters and attempts to make contact the EHE team will refer the case to the CME officer for consideration of further action through a CME1. The parents will be informed by the EHE Business Support Officer of any such referral in writing.
If, at any point during a visit/other contact, the EHE support worker/officer has evidence or strong concerns about the safety and well being of the child, these should be referred through the appropriate Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.
There are instances where, on being contacted, families suggest that they have been misled or even coerced into removing their child from school and had not understood the implications of their request to take responsibility for their child's education. In all cases, the EHE support worker/officer will ascertain whether, having had the full implications explained, the family still wish to proceed with EHE or would prefer assistance to return their child to school. In the latter instance, the EHE support worker/officer will refer the case to the CME team who will be able to advise the family on availability of places and assist with admission arrangements.
In order for the procedures to work successfully, all partners in the process will need to understand their respective roles and ensure that communication is maintained.
Evaluation of service and the child and parent voice
An evaluation card will be sent to parents alongside each report. Parents and the child will have the opportunity to record their views.
On an annual basis an age appropriate end of academic year evaluation form will be sent for the child who is being home educated to complete. This is designed to encourage children to think about their long-term aims and to ensure that the education they are receiving is still suitable and efficient with these long-term aims in mind. The child can also reflect upon the subjects in which they achieved well, and those in which they are finding it difficult to set their own targets for the future. Completion of this form is entirely voluntary but we would encourage EHE children to take this opportunity to reflect and report on their experience of EHE.
An Education at Home leaver's evaluation form will be sent to every young person who reaches statutory school leaving age in order for them to comment upon the education they have received at home and the level of support that the LA has offered them during this period. Completion and return of this form is also voluntary, but will be an opportunity for them to tell the LA what they will be doing in the future and to suggest improvements to procedures to support elective home educators.
Initial Enquiries
If a parent is considering EHE and their child is not currently registered at a school, the Elective Home Education (EHE) Team will be able to offer advice to assist them in making a decision but there is no legal duty to notify the LA. Where a child is a registered pupil and the parent is considering EHE then it may be helpful to discuss any concerns with the school.
Decision to home educate
If a parent decides to educate their child at home and the child is on a school roll the parent must advise the head teacher in writing and request that the pupil be removed from roll because provision is being made otherwise than at school. On receipt of that notification the school should notify the CME team no later than the date of removal from roll (The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 (as amended) Regulations 8(1) (d) and 12(3)) using the CME9 form.
Schools should attach the parental letter requesting removal from roll with the referral to CME. The school should also complete a Common Transfer Form and submit via the s2s website using code MMM/MMMM. On receipt of the notification the CME team will forward the referral to the EHE team. NB Where the pupil is on the roll of a special school under arrangements made by the local authority the pupil must not be removed from roll until permission is given by the LA following the process set out in section 5 above.
Where a child is the subject of a School Attendance Order (SAO) similarly the pupil must not be removed from roll until confirmation is received from the LA's EHE team that the SAO has been revoked. The parent must apply to the LA to have the order revoked before they can seek to remove their child from the school's admission register. The school should complete the CME9 to notify of the withdrawal from school so that appropriate enquiries can be made, should the request for revocation not be received. The LA will consider any such request and make arrangements for the SAO to be revoked unless there are exceptional reasons known to the authority to suggest this should not happen. Once the SAO has been revoked the EHE team will advise the school that the pupil may then be removed from roll.
On receipt of notification from the CME team the child's details will be placed on the EHE database and arrangements made for follow up as set out below. NB Where a parent has clearly indicated that the removal from roll for EHE is a temporary arrangement pending admission to an alternative school with an agreed start date, the child's details will be placed on the database but will not be allocated for immediate follow up action. At the proposed re-admission date enquiries will be made to determine whether the child has re-entered school and can consequently be removed from the database, or needs to be identified for further CME/EHE follow up.
Enquiries will be made of Children's Social Care (CSC) to ascertain whether the family is known to them and, where there is current involvement, to ensure they are aware of the change in educational provision. This will also allow CSC to consider any implications for their future casework.
Following registration with EHE team – no statement of special educational needs
Paragraph 87 of the statutory guidance for local authorities in England to identify children not receiving a suitable education confirms that in order to comply with this duty "local authorities need to make arrangements which will as far as possible enable them to determine whether any children who are not pupils at schools, such as those being educated at home, are receiving suitable education. In order to do this local authorities should make inquiries with parents educating children at home about the educational provision being made for them."
Consequently, when the notification from CME and the associated documentation are received a letter of confirmation of EHE and a registration card will be sent out to parents within five working days. A minimum of 25 working days will be allowed from the date of registration to give the family time to adjust to the new situation. A support worker/officer from the EHE team will then make contact to propose a home visit or to clarify whether the family prefer an alternative form of contact with the LA. Where a visit has been agreed, a letter confirming the initial visit appointment will be sent within 15 days together with a copy of the discussion document EHE 1A which will form the basis of the initial visit. The initial visit will therefore not take place before a minimum of 40 working days will have elapsed.
Where the parent indicates they would prefer to provide information relating to educational provision otherwise than through a home visit, discussions will take place to agree the timescale and method by which such information will be provided to the LA.
During an initial home visit the support worker/officer will discuss the proposed educational provision with the parent and child, using form EHE 1A which the parents should have received in advance so they can prepare for the visit. The support worker/officer will discuss with the parents and the child their long term plans for the future. Most importantly this will give the child an opportunity to express their views regarding their education. The support worker/officer will offer advice on what might be considered to be ‘suitable and efficient’ education, if requested.
Following a home visit, or consideration of the information provided, if the support worker/officer is satisfied that suitable full time education is taking place the support worker/officer will
Agree with the parents arrangements for follow up contact in approximately 12 months to review progress; ascertain the parents' preference in respect of how they will continue to demonstrate that they are providing a suitable education; and confirm either that an appointment for a home visit will be notified in due course, or agree a date by which parents should provide a written report on progress.
Send the EHE form 1D to summarise the points discussed during the meeting/set out in the information provided and confirming that the child will remain on the EHE database for the next twelve months.
If following a home visit/receipt of information from parents there are some concerns the support worker/officer will arrange for additional information to be provided within 15 working days. This arrangement will be confirmed in writing. On evaluation of the information supplied the support worker/officer may offer suggestions for improvement and request further contact if necessary.
Following the visit/review of any information, a copy of the final report confirming that the education taking place is now considered satisfactory will be sent to the parents within 20 working days.
If however concerns remain the parents will be informed in writing that the case has been referred to the CME officer.
Following registration – children with statements of special educational needs
For children with a statement of SEN who were in mainstream schools and are therefore no longer registered at a school, the procedures will be as set out above for children without statements but with the following additions. At the point when the EHE support worker/officer is satisfied that provision is suitable, they should also notify the IDSS in order to ensure the statement is reviewed and amended to reflect the new arrangements. Where the EHE support worker/officer has concerns regarding the provision being made, they will consult with the relevant IDSS team regarding ongoing assessment and support. Any referral to CME will be made in consultation with the IDSS team.
For children who were in a special school and are therefore still registered at the school, the initial contacts must also seek to establish how the parent is meeting any special educational needs set out in the statement. Once the EHE support officer/worker is in a position to make a recommendation regarding the suitability of the EHE provision being made, they will contact the IDSS team to agree a date for a review of the statement to take place.
The review meeting will determine whether or not the IDSS are prepared to amend the statement to reflect the EHE provision being made, in which case consent will also be given to the child's name being removed from roll. If the IDSS are not prepared to amend the statement then the child will remain on roll and the parent notified that the LA expects the child to return to school.
Follow up contact.
Lancashire Local Authority has the same high aspirations for the achievement of children who are electively educated at home as for all other children and young people. Once the LA is satisfied that suitable educational provision is being made for a child who is on EHE, the question arises as to what further action, if any, is required.
Although the EHE guidelines indicate that LAs have no statutory duties in relation to monitoring the quality of home education on a routine basis, we are required by Section 436A of the Education Act 1996 to "make arrangements" to enable us to identify, so far as it is possible to do so, children whose home education is unsatisfactory. The statutory guidance for that duty states in paragraph 21 " The purpose of the duty is to make sure that children not receiving, or at risk of not receiving, a suitable education are identified quickly, and effective tracking systems and support arrangements are put in place ..... a speedy response when problems are first identified is crucial to implementing this duty. The longer a child misses out on education, the more likely those problems will become entrenched, and the more difficult it can be to respond effectively to their needs. Early intervention will enable the local authority and other partners in the Children’s Trust to ensure that action is taken to provide any child identified with a suitable education ..."
We are therefore clear that the follow up arrangements we have in place for EHE form a distinct and necessary part of the LA's arrangements for being able to determine that appropriate provision continues to be made for children whose parents have elected to home educate. This allows us to discharge our obligation to "make arrangements" to identify children whose home education is unsuitable or which has, over time, become unsuitable.
If the EHE support worker/officer is satisfied that a suitable education is taking place following the initial and any follow up visit(s), or consideration of information and reports provided by the parents, then annual contact will continue following the same procedure as above either by a home visit or through submission of reports At any time where the support worker/officer has concerns regarding the suitability of provision, further information may be requested in accordance with paragraph 2.8 of the EHE Guidelines for LAs. The support worker/officer will always try to support parents in cases where concerns exist about the suitability of a child’s education to seek a resolution before any consideration of legal intervention becomes necessary.
Other considerations
Examinations
Parents will be able to discuss with the EHE team ways in which they can arrange for their child to sit examinations and courses. However parents are reminded that they are responsible for making the arrangements and for any costs incurred. The EHE team will where possible provide information about examination centres in Lancashire known to be willing to take external candidates.
Work Experience
Parents should be aware that the exemptions relating to child employment legislation to enable young people to undertake work experience only apply with respect to work experience arranged by a governing body or local authority. Consequently, there is currently no option for EHE families to arrange work experience opportunities that would be lawful where such activities are in conflict with the legislation restricting child employment.
Curriculum
Parents’ educational provision will reflect a diversity of approaches and interests. Some parents, especially those who have other children attending school, may wish to provide education following a traditional curriculum and using a fixed timetable that keeps to school hours and terms. Other parents may decide to make more informal provision based on the developing interests of their child.
One approach is not necessarily, of itself, more efficient or effective than another. Although some parents may welcome general advice and suggestions about resources, methods and materials, Lancashire EHE support workers/officers will not specify a curriculum for parents to follow.
Children learn in different ways and at different times and speeds. It is appreciated that parents and their children might require a period of adjustment before finding their preferred mode of learning.
Concerns and non compliance
Where a visit has been agreed, if the parent is not available when the EHE support worker/officer calls at the arranged time he/she will leave a calling card and subsequently write requesting the parent to make contact so as to re-arrange the visit/suggest alternative arrangements for providing information regarding their child's education.
Should parents fail to respond to the EHE support worker/officer or to provide information regarding educational provision after two letters and attempts to make contact the EHE team will refer the case to the CME officer for consideration of further action through a CME1. The parents will be informed by the EHE Business Support Officer of any such referral in writing.
If, at any point during a visit/other contact, the EHE support worker/officer has evidence or strong concerns about the safety and well being of the child, these should be referred through the appropriate Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.
There are instances where, on being contacted, families suggest that they have been misled or even coerced into removing their child from school and had not understood the implications of their request to take responsibility for their child's education. In all cases, the EHE support worker/officer will ascertain whether, having had the full implications explained, the family still wish to proceed with EHE or would prefer assistance to return their child to school. In the latter instance, the EHE support worker/officer will refer the case to the CME team who will be able to advise the family on availability of places and assist with admission arrangements.
In order for the procedures to work successfully, all partners in the process will need to understand their respective roles and ensure that communication is maintained.
Evaluation of service and the child and parent voice
An evaluation card will be sent to parents alongside each report. Parents and the child will have the opportunity to record their views.
On an annual basis an age appropriate end of academic year evaluation form will be sent for the child who is being home educated to complete. This is designed to encourage children to think about their long-term aims and to ensure that the education they are receiving is still suitable and efficient with these long-term aims in mind. The child can also reflect upon the subjects in which they achieved well, and those in which they are finding it difficult to set their own targets for the future. Completion of this form is entirely voluntary but we would encourage EHE children to take this opportunity to reflect and report on their experience of EHE.
An Education at Home leaver's evaluation form will be sent to every young person who reaches statutory school leaving age in order for them to comment upon the education they have received at home and the level of support that the LA has offered them during this period. Completion and return of this form is also voluntary, but will be an opportunity for them to tell the LA what they will be doing in the future and to suggest improvements to procedures to support elective home educators.