Inspections - safeguarding and elective home education

Paragraphs 384 and 385 of the Handbook set out more detail for schools in what ineffective safeguarding looks like and includes a non-exhaustive list of examples of what this may comprise. We strongly advise that schools review the 'effective' and 'non-effective' safeguarding lists so that they can enhance and sharpen their safeguarding practices and in the process, ensure that they are 'inspection ready'.

One aspect of the 'ineffective safeguarding' listed examples includes:

'pupils, particularly vulnerable pupils, who are not on the school site (whether long term, temporary or for part of the school day) and the school are either not clear where those pupils are or are not able to give reassurances as to the appropriate steps taken to safeguard them when off-site. This can include children absent from education and children attending inappropriate, unregistered or unmonitored alternative provision.'

In the context of Elective Home Education (EHE), schools will need to demonstrate that they  have followed Keeping children safe in education 2023 ('KCSIE') in relation to Elective Home Education at paragraphs 176-179. This states where a parent/carer has expressed their intention to remove a child from school with a view to educating at home, it is recommended that local authorities, schools, and other key professionals work together to coordinate a meeting with parents/carers where possible. Ideally, this would be before a final decision has been made, to ensure the parents/carers have considered what is in the best interests of each child.

This is stressed in KCSIE as particularly important where a child has special educational needs or a disability, has a social worker, or is otherwise vulnerable. Particular advice is set out for pupils with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP).

It is therefore recommended that schools carefully check that procedures and policies regarding EHE are clear and robust and that safeguarding records adequately record all meetings that have taken place regarding EHE and any necessary legal requirements regarding pupil registration are carried out. In particular, schools must inform their local authority of all deletions from their admission register, including when a parent makes the decision to elect home education, and the child is taken off roll; at which point, the local authority will then take over the safeguarding duties towards the child.

The tragic circumstances as highlighted by recent child death reviews and the decline in attendance post-Covid, serve as salutary reminders as to why a focus on all children who are absent from education is a priority for schools and inspectors.

For more information on safeguarding or any of the latest updates to the school inspection handbook, please contact Nicola Tarmey in our Regulatory Compliance team on 0117 314 5439 or complete the form below.