Consultation Documents

1 Executive Summary

1.1 Definition of Full Time Education

The purpose of this letter is to consult you about a proposal to provide further guidance as to what constitutes full time education in independent schools.

2 Background and Context

2.1 An independent school

is defined as a school that provides full time education for five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or one or more such pupils with a statement of special educational needs, or who is in public care. Independent schools must be registered with the Department and meet standards set out in The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) Regulations 2003.

3 The Proposals

3.1 There is no statutory definition of ‘full time’ education

in relation to independent or maintained schools, but the Guidance to Proprietors advises schools to follow the guidelines for maintained schools which are:

Age 5-7 21 hours per week minimum;

Age 8-11 23.5 hours per week minimum;

Age 12-16 24 hours per week minimum.

This advice has served the Department and independent schools well for many years. However, patterns of schooling are changing, and there is a greater diversity of approach to education, with some parents opting for home education which includes part time tuition at tutorial colleges or schools.

Parents must ensure that their child receives an education suitable to his/her age, needs and aptitudes, either at school or otherwise. In cases where this is achieved by a mix of part time attendance at school and part time education at home, this must be agreed with the school, with both parents and schools having a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Both should be able to describe and evidence the part each plays in contributing to a broad and balanced curriculum meeting the needs of the individual child.

Where a school provides most of the education, we believe that it should be treated as if it is providing ‘full time’ education, and required to register with the Department. We propose that any school providing more than 20 hours education per week should have to register. Schools providing fewer than 20 hours per week should also be registered where the education provided constitutes the major part of that child’s education. Where there is uncertainty as to whether a school is providing the major part of a child’s education, we propose to rely on Ofsted’s opinion.

We believe that these arrangements will remove any doubt as to what constitutes ‘full time’ education. They will ensure that any settings providing all, or a major part, of children’s education will be registered, and required to meet the minimum regulatory standards. This will ensure that children are taught effectively, in a safe and secure environment.