As a service acting on behalf of the London Borough of Sutton, we are committed to protecting and safeguarding children and young people and ensuring that children and families can access help and support when they need it most.
Local Authorities have the same safeguarding responsibilities for children educated at home that they would for all children.
Reporting of, and responding to, concerns
Professionals working with a family who wish to raise concerns about the education provision of home educated children should first discuss their concerns with parents.
After this discussion, if concerns remain, parents should be advised that a referral will be made to the local authority via the EHE Website form.
Upon receipt of the form, the Inclusion coordinator will decide whether it is appropriate to request further information from parents about the suitability of education.
If a practitioner working in a partner agency is aware, or believes that a child is home educated, they should use the Elective Home Education Notification/Enquiry form.
They can also contact the Inclusion Coordinator by calling 020 8323 0450 or emailing ehe@cognus.org.uk to:
- Identify if the child is registered as EHE and known by Cognus
- To share, where relevant and appropriate any safeguarding and/or welfare information in line with Working together to safeguard children, July 2018
- To initiate multi-agency working practices to ensure effective support for the family
- To raise any concerns, they may have about the education provision of EHE
Anonymous referral
In cases where a referrer has stated that they wish to remain anonymous, any information provided will be deemed to have been given to the council in confidence. As such, any information that will lead to the identification of the referrer will not be passed on to the parents, as this may be a breach of confidence and/or the data protection principles.
Referrers should note that although we may act upon concerns that are brought to our attention, we will not engage in further dialogue about the family as to do so would be a breach of data protection principles.
Safeguarding
Any concerns of a safeguarding nature should be reported to our multi-agency safeguarding hub known as Children’s First Contact Service (CFCS).
Safeguarding and welfare information should be shared where relevant and appropriate in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children