Home education guidance: equality impact assessment

Recommendations and Conclusion

As a result of evidence gathered and stakeholder comments during the consultation and EQIA stages, the guidance has been amended and will include

• Information for all users on fulfilling a child’s rights based approach to their responsibilities with regard to home education;
• Additional clarity for local authorities regarding domestic abuse and coercive control;
• Additional clarity for all users on Data Protection legislation;
• Use of “parent/carer” throughout the guidance to promote the inclusion of care-experienced children and young people.

The home education guidance aims to provide updated advice to stakeholders and the general public around home education, bringing existing guidance into line with current legislation and reflecting changes that have taken place affecting home education since the guidance was first published in 2007. It is expected that local authorities will adopt the approach set out in the updated guidance when considering a parental request for consent to withdraw a child from school for the purpose of home education, in a timeous manner and with the child’s best interests in mind.

The Scottish Government will explore the effectiveness of the guidance through maintaining ongoing dialogue with both the home educating community and local authorities in Scotland.