NSPCC Cymru / Wales has welcomed the findings of a Child Practice Review which recommends a change in the law and the introduction of a home education register in Wales.
The independent report into the death of a young child who was home educated in Pembrokeshire – and not known to the authorities – makes a number of recommendations.
Head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, Des Mannion, said:
“NSPCC Cymru / Wales has long supported registration for children who are educated at home and we welcome the findings of this review.
“While every family has a right to educate a child and home learning alone is not a risk factor for abuse or neglect, it is absolutely vital that we ensure children do not fall off the local services radar.
“Prioritising training for professionals and ensuring home educated children have easy access to health checks are much needed improvements.
“This was a rare case – but there are clear lessons to learn and it is now important that Welsh government adopts each of these recommendations as swiftly as possible.
“We know that the overwhelming majority of parents want a safe learning environment for their children. A register would help to ensure this is the case for every single home educated child.”
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