Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 1999. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 1999 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what action he proposes to take to ensure that claims that children are receiving home education are not used to disguise truancy; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he proposes to take to ensure that claims that children are receiving home education are not used to disguise truancy; and if he will make a statement. [102971] Jacqui Smith: Local Education Authorities have a duty to monitor the quality of home education being provided and we expect them to carry out this duty. If home education is not being provided or is not of a satisfactory standard, Local Education Authorities can apply to the courts of an Educational Supervision Order. Alternatively they should pursue a School Attendance Order. Where we receive specific complaints that schools may be using home education as a method to disguise truancy, we will investigate.

Secondary information