2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:43 pm on 22 October 2019.

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Photo of Mark Isherwood Mark Isherwood Conservative 2:43, 22 October 2019

Can I call for a single statement on children educated at home? If a child is arrested they cannot be forced to give evidence. So, where a child is at serious risk of harm, a court order is required if the parent declines to consent to the child being interviewed. However, a concern's been raised with me that the Welsh Government's draft statutory guidance for local authorities on home education would mean that children educated at home are to be treated less favourably than children who offend or children at risk, simply on the basis of that home education, should the guidance be implemented. I have been copied in on advice from a QC in Matrix Chambers, Gray's Inn, which says that that draft strategy guidance is unlawful, and I am circulating that to all Members through the internal postal system. The guidance explains that the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child guide how the rights of the child are protected, but the Welsh Government guidance fails to include or recognise the obligations arising under article 14, the rights and duties of parents, or article 16, prohibition of interference with privacy and home. It says that the guidance is unlawful in implying the local authority can insist on discussions with parents and/or children and unlawful in suggesting that a local authority has any role in questioning the parental choice to home educate in circumstances where that education is agreed suitable. And it concludes, overall, if the matters it sets out are adopted in the final guidance following consultation, then that final guidance will misstate or misunderstand the law and so be unlawful and/or lead to illegality by local authorities acting in the light of it. I call for a Welsh Government statement accordingly to ensure that matters don't go forward until these serious legal concerns have been addressed.