6. School's responsibilities
6.1 Sections 8(1) (d), 12 (3) and 13(3) of the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006 place a duty on head teachers to inform the LA when a parent notifies them of their decision to withdraw their child from the school roll:- ‘the proprietor (Headteacher) of the school must make a return to the local authority for every such pupil giving the full name of the pupil, the address of the parent with whom the pupil normally resides and the ground upon which their name is to be deleted from the admission register as soon as the ground for deletion is met in relation to that pupil, and in any event no later than deleting the pupil’s name from the register’.
6.2 Mainstream schools should follow MCC’s off-rolling procedures informing the LA prior to removing the child from the school’s register and forwarding any written notification 8 from the parents. The child should be removed from the school register immediately after receipt of the parent’s notification. However, as agreed in the Manchester Schools CME Guidance, you are asked to keep the place open for 20 days following the removal from your register.
6.3 If the child is on the roll of a special school the child’s name may not be removed from the school register without the LA’s consent. It remains the duty of the LA to ensure the child’s special educational needs are met.
6.4 There is no legal requirement for parents to discuss home education with the school, but when a parent informs the school of their intention, schools should respond positively and constructively.
6.5 This is particularly important if it appears that the decision to home educate may be related to a dispute with the school e.g. regarding attendance, behaviour or alleged bullying. It would be helpful if the school invites the parents and, if appropriate, the child to discuss the decision and takes all necessary steps to resolve any issues. Parents’ attendance at such a meeting should be entirely voluntary
6.6 Schools must not seek to persuade parents to educate their child at home as a means of avoiding exclusion or because of poor attendance and should signpost parents to the MCC Website and relevant LA officers to enable them to make an informed decision. Information packs are available for schools from the EHE Team at ehe@manchester.gov.uk.
6.7 If the child is registered at a school as a result of a school attendance order, the parent must obtain the permission of the LA on the grounds that arrangements have been made for the child to receive suitable education otherwise than at school, before the child can be removed from the school’s register and educated at home.
6.8 We are clear that Elective Home Education is not a safeguarding concern. The expectation is that, if schools are aware of any issues and have any concerns, they will have previously made efforts to support the family e.g. through Early Help and through Social Care. Following the Manchester Safeguarding Partnership (MSP) policy, they will also have discussed concerns with the parents (unless to do so would have put the child at risk e.g. where there is evidence of domestic abuse).
6.9 Schools will be asked to share with EHE Team officers any recent concerns or risks they are aware of that may impact on the suitability of home education, as well as relevant information about attainment and attendance.
6.10 Schools should retain the child’s school file. Parents can request a copy of this in order to assist with planning their children’s education.
6.11 If EHE is considered unsuitable, the expectation is that the child will return to their former school. Where there is not a previous school recorded on the LA database or there is no place available at the previous school, a place will be identified via the In Year Access Protocol (IYFAP) or through the statutory EHC Plan arrangements, should your child have an EHCP.