In a civil society, a family home must be precisely that a family home

The Children’s Unhappiness Bill (as nicknamed by me), but known by the Government and officially as the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill must be read with all accompanying documents.

HCB151 ECHR Memo https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/59-01/0151/delegated_powers_memo.pdf https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/59-01/0151/en/240151en.pdf

To truly appreciate how harmful this Bill if enacted would be.

Home is my child’s safe space. Home is a family’s safe space. A child is safe. There is no suspicion of harm. In a civil society in these circumstances, the child is safe and no suspicion of harm, why are an arm of the state (Local authority) being enabled to without the child’s consent invade the child’s family home.

This is not just a “register” it is an erosion of the right to a private life. A “register” does not require entrance into a child’s home. A child’s home is always a home first and foremost. When home educated some of a child’s learning may occur in the home. That does not make it a “setting”.

I live in the UK. Therefore, I should reasonably expect the home to be a protected space. What objective basis could mean choice of education, proportionately equals loss of home as a private space.

It is always wise to be cautious if a bill leaves a lot to secondary legislation and guidance. Something as serious as enabling access to a child’s home (without any suspicion of harm) should not be left to guidance and secondary legislation.

If you agree that a family (no suspicions of harm) must retain their right to their home being a private space. Please take action. Make your MP aware and ask them to stand up for children’s rights to a safe private home.

Wording from the EHCR memo accompanying the Bill

“The measures will also require the local authority to consider all settings where home educated children are being educated as well as the child’s home(s), as part of its decision on suitability and (for children subject to child protection processes) best interests. Local authorities will also have a power to request access to inside of the child’s home(s) to see the child and if this is refused, must consider this to be a relevant factor when considering whether the child must be registered at a school.” at 125 of the HCB151 ECHR Memo

“The clauses give the local authority a power to request to visit the home(s) of all children being home educated and to see the child.” at 130 of the HCB151 ECHR Memo

Wording from the Explanatory notes:

“Introduce a requirement for local authorities to consider the home environment and other learning environments when determining whether or not children should be required to attend school.” at 35 of the explanatory notes.

” and the requirement for local authorities to consider the home environment and other learning environments when assessing whether home education is suitable” at 40 of the explanatory notes

Michelle Zaher 22/12/24

Educational Freedom