Government launch consultation as home education continues to rise

2,000 children in Wales are in home education Credit: PA Images

Around 2,000 children in Wales are home schooled and the number has been increasing for the last six years.

Today the Welsh Government is launching a consultation on new guidance for home education in Wales. It will look into how local authorities identify children not being taught at school and give advice on assessing how suitable alternative teaching is.

The guidance also clarifies the support local authorities should make available to home educators in their area. Plus, a handbook has been developed with advice and support for people currently providing or considering home education for their children.

Kirsty Williams AM, The Education Minister Credit: PA Images

The Welsh Government plans to consult later this year on the regulations. They will require local authorities to create a database in order to identify children not registered at school and then to determine if their alternative education is suitable.