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A new bill set to be introduced to Parliament will establish a register aimed at identifying children who are not attending school in England. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Department for Education to enhance the monitoring of children’s education and ensure they receive adequate support.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the measure as a pivotal advancement in protecting children. The proposed register is included in the forthcoming Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and is anticipated to be operational by 2025.
The Labour government emphasizes that the bill will enhance collaboration between teachers, schools, and local authorities in safeguarding children. Specifically, if a child’s home environment is deemed unsuitable, local authorities will be empowered to take necessary action.
In a significant shift, each child will be assigned a unique identification number akin to an adult’s national insurance number, facilitating better tracking across various services. Phillipson highlighted that, in recent years, many children have been let down by the state, proclaiming, “No more words, no more lessons learnt. This government will put children first at every turn.”
The tragic case of 10-year-old Sara Sarif, who was taken out of school to be home-educated prior to her untimely death, underscores the urgency of the proposed reforms. The new regulations will restrict parents from educating their children at home if the child is under a protection plan without the explicit consent of the local council.
Addressing Growing Concerns
This year, the number of children being home-educated in England saw a notable increase of 20%, as per the latest government statistics. Concerns have escalated, with the Education Policy Institute indicating that as many as 300,000 children might be entirely disengaged from formal education.
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has voiced her support for the introduction of a unique identification number and a register for children not attending school, citing their potential impact on protecting at-risk youths. She asserts that these measures should be accompanied by effective data-sharing among organizations to prevent any child from falling through the cracks.
Similarly, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT (National Association of Head Teachers), praised the introduction of the bill, stating that the union has long advocated for a register of absent pupils. He noted that it is reassuring to see essential safeguarding measures finally being acknowledged after years of inaction.
The government’s commitment to preventing abuse and ensuring vulnerable children do not go unnoticed is central to the proposed legislation. First mentioned in the King’s Speech, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill encompasses a variety of initiatives, including the implementation of free breakfast clubs in primary schools and regulations to limit branded uniform items.
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www.bbc.com