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Written question asked by Lord Warner (Labour) on Monday, 15 December 2014, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 31 December 2014. It was answered by Lord Nash (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 December 2014 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Faith Schools

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Nash on 26 November (HL3028), what action they advise local authorities to take to safeguard children who attend unregistered schools that do not teach a broad and balanced curriculum and are based on a narrow set of religious beliefs; and whether they consider that such schooling falls under the relevant provisions of child protection legislation.

Answer

The Department for Education's statutory safeguarding guidance to local authorities, contained in ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’, is clear on what action authorities have to take if they are concerned about the safety and welfare of any child in their area.

The department does not regard an excessively narrow curriculum as a child protection matter, although such provision does relate to parents’ duty to ensure that children of compulsory school age receive a suitable full-time education, and the duty of local authorities to identify children who are not receiving such an education.

The department works closely with authorities when unregistered provision is identified to ensure that it is either registered or closed, and that safeguarding concerns are dealt with promptly.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3778
Session
2014-15
Related items
Faith Schools: Hackney
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Children Curriculum Faith schools Protection Out-of-school education
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk