Home education guidance: equality impact assessment

Executive summary

The purpose of the home education guidance is to set out the legislative position of home education; to provide advice on the roles and responsibilities of local authorities and parents in relation to children who are home educated; and to encourage a collaborative and positive working relationship between local authorities and parents to develop trust and mutual respect to function in the best interests of the child.

The EQIA comprised of a review of relevant published material from a variety of sources, including academic, third sector and public sector information; as well as from a national consultation on home education in 2022. In addition, a roundtable discussion took place involving delegates from representative organisations to provide further insight and experience on protected characteristics.

Overall the EQIA considered that the home education guidance would have a neutral to positive impact on the following characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Race

It was considered that the guidance has no direct impact on the following characteristics:

• Pregnancy and maternity
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership