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<p>Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 states that it is the duty of parents to secure
education of children of compulsory school age. The child must receive an efficient
full-time education suitable to his age, ability, aptitude and any special needs he
may have, by regular attendance at school or otherwise.</p><p>Local authorities have
no statutory duties in relation to monitoring the quality of home education on a routine
basis. Under section 437(1) of the Act local authorities must intervene if it appears
that parents are not providing a suitable education. If a local authority is not satisfied
that the education being provided is suitable, they should serve a school attendance
order. If the parent requests the local authority to revoke the order because the
parent believes they have arranged education that would be suitable, and the authority
refuses, the parent has a right under section 442 to ask the Secretary of State for
Education to decide the issue.</p><p>The law is clear that a pupil’s name can only
be deleted from the admission register on the grounds prescribed in regulation 8 of
the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, as amended.</p><p>Pupils
leave school rolls for many reasons including permanent exclusion, moving to another
school, or changes of circumstances (as when a pupil moves to a new area). All schools
must notify the local authority when a pupil’s name is to be deleted from the admission
register.</p><p>Statutory guidance on exclusions is also clear that ‘informal’ or
‘unofficial’ exclusions are unlawful, regardless of whether they occur with the agreement
of parents or carers. Any exclusion of a pupil, even for short periods of time, must
be formally recorded.</p><p>Local authorities have a duty to make arrangements to
establish the identities of children of compulsory school age in their area who are
not registered pupils at a school and are not receiving suitable education otherwise.</p>
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