Increasing trend for education at home
The number of electively home-educated (EHE) pupils in the county peaked in July 2017 at 203, according to a new council report. There are currently 163 pupils being educated at home.
During the last five years, there has been an upward trend in EHE cases with a sharp rise from 130 in 2015-16, which is believed to be similar to neighbouring local authorities.
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Hide AdThe report says: ‘In Northumberland, no parents have been served with an attendance order for not providing suitable education to their child(ren), however, the profile of the group is one of vulnerability – 60 have SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), six open to social care, 22 with an Early Help Assessment.’
It does acknowledge though that ‘many parents actively seek advice before making a well-informed decision’.