Leighton Andrews, Minister for Education and Skills
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
A consultation on proposals for the introduction of a compulsory registration and monitoring system for those who elect to provide home-based education was launched on 31 August. The consultation ran for twelve weeks and provided an opportunity for all stakeholders, including home educators, local authorities and those who are home educated to comment on and inform further policy development of the proposals. The consultation exercise closed on the 23 November, over 550 responses have been received.
I have asked my officials to undertake a thorough analysis of the consultation responses as I want to ensure all views to the proposals are fully considered. Due to the large volume and detail of the responses this is going to take time and is not something I want rushed. In order to facilitate this process I believe it would be beneficial to delay taking forward the legislative proposals in the current Education (Wales) Bill.
A report summarising the responses will be published in the New Year and a Written Ministerial Statement will indicate how I intend to proceed with the legislative proposals going forward in this Assembly term.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns I would be happy to do so.