Question reference: S1W-02116
- Asked by: Donald Gorrie, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 22 October 1999
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Current status: Answered by Sam Galbraith on 28 September 2000
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to clarify parent's rights to withdraw their children from school and educate them at home and councils' interpretation of sections 30 and 35(i) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.
Answer
We have accepted that guidance in this area would be helpful and the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 which comes into force later this year includes provision to issue statutory guidance on the circumstances in which parents may choose to educate their children at home. My officials are currently consulting education authorities and home education organisations on the areas that should be covered and we plan to issue draft guidance for consultation by the end of the year.