By Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Families who choose to educate their children at home may have to sign an annual register and demonstrate to officials they are providing suitable education in the near future.

The introduction of a compulsory annual registration scheme could effect 172 families in Medway if the recommendation is given the go ahead.

The report to the secretary of state for children, schools and families which follows a review of elective home education in England, also recommends local authorities such as Medway Council sending children back to school if parents don’t meet certain standards.

Other key recommendations include local authorities providing more support to home educating families for example by helping provide access to the national examination system, sports facilities, libraries and music tuition.

Giving properly trained local authority officials the right to access homes following a minimum two week notification to the parents.

During their visit they will check the child is making progress against their parents submitted statement about their intended approach to the child’s education and what they aim to achieve over a 12 month period.

They will also have the right to speak to the child to ensure they are safe and well. A written report must then be produced and shared with the parents and child.

Children’s minister Delyth Morgan has accepted in full the recommendations. A consultation will now begin to ensure children’s rights are met and help guarantee a good education in a safe enlivenment.

Graham Badman, former director of children services for Kent, carried out the review.

He said: "We’ve always been clear that parents should retain the right to educate their children at home. Most home educators do a fantastic job and I want to ensure they get more support from local authorities. But we can’t afford to let any children slip through the net in terms of their education or safety.

"There are around 20,000 children registered as home educated but estimates suggest many could be invisible to the system.

"The fact is most developed countries require registration to home educate with the majority also having a process of systematic monitoring. It’s only right we afford our own children and young people in the same checks and balances."