Badman review blasted by MPs' inquiry

The report by the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee accuses Badman and the Department for Children, Schools and Families of using "less than robust evidence" to suggest that home educated children are at greater risk of abuse than their school going counterparts.

The committee warned that there is a "dearth of information on home educated children in England, not least basic data about the number of these children", which makes it impossible for government to make assumptions about the characteristics of home educating families.

The report recommends that research be carried out to establish the number of home-educated children and their outcomes.

It also suggests that the proposed new register for home educators should be voluntary, not compulsory, and home-educating families should provide statements of educational approach and take part in annual meetings with local authority officers.

Other measures advocated in the report include the introduction of a revised definition of what constitutes a "suitable" education and urgent action to clarify local authorities' responsibilities for home-educated children with special educational needs.

Barry Sheerman, chairman of the select committee, said local authorities must take responsibility for knowing whether children are in school, home educated or missing from education.
 
He added that councils must do more to work positively with home educating parents.

"This report is not concerned with whether a school or home education is superior. Our priority is to see that everything possible is being done so that all children are given the best start in life, are protected from harm and are equipped with the basic skills necessary in order to fulfil their potential and thrive," he said.