Home educating families in England are going to have to register annually, as the government has accepted the recommendations of a review.

Families should be better supported, the government says.

The review also says local authorities should have the right to visit any child taught at home.

The government commissioned a review to find out whether local councils were monitoring home educated children, or offering parents enough support.

It has also been concerned that home education could be a cover for abuse.

The review, conducted by former director of education for Kent, Graham Badman, says that parents who home educate should have to register annually on a scheme administered by local councils.

A parent’s right to home educate will not be challenged, ministers have said.

But parents will have to submit a statement of their intended approach to the child’s education.

Support

Local authorities currently have no statutory duty to monitor children educated at home.

But they must ensure that all children are receiving a suitable education, either in school or otherwise.

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