Research suggests that children who are known to be home educated are nearly twice as likely to have statements of special educational needs (SEN) compared with the wider population, and children with autism were identified in particular.
We regularly hear from parents who make the often costly decision to home educate because of the failure of statutory education services to be able to provide an effective education, bullying or the challenges their children face due to their autism.
What we’re doing
We have responded to Government consultations on home education, resulting in clarified and strengthened guidance to local authorities on home education to be clear on SEN duties. We were the only SEN organisation to be involved in the Badman Review of home education, resulting in an SEN focus (including on autism) in the report and recommendations. We also gave evidence to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee examining the home education clauses of the Children, Schools and Families Bill going through Parliament.
We remain concerned about the lack of support local authorities offer to families of children with autism who home educate and we continue to work with parliamentarians and Government to highlight relevant issues on home education and autism.