Home Education (Duty of Local Authorities) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Creates a duty for local authorities to monitor a child’s educational progress, physical development and emotional wellbeing when the child is being educated at home.
• Focuses on elective home education (home schooling chosen by families) rather than all school attendance.
• Includes connected purposes such as reporting, information sharing and safeguarding as part of the oversight framework.
• Notes that the bill originated in the Lords and is currently being considered in the Commons (2nd reading) with accompanying official papers to aid debate.
• Forms part of policy areas covering housing and education and sets up duties for local authorities rather than parents alone.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons after originating in the House of Lords. If it progresses, it would move through further stages before becoming law.