🔍 Concern is growing in Powys as the number of children being home-schooled hits 473, equivalent to a small secondary school! Local councillors are raising alarm over this rapid rise and are seeking solutions to prevent more students from leaving traditional classrooms.
📊 Before the pandemic, just 154 students were registered for elective home education (EHE) in Powys. Fast forward to today, and the figures have tripled. Councillors and education officials are asking crucial questions: Are parents dissatisfied with what schools offer? Are children struggling to cope in the conventional school environment?
👩🏫 Councillor Angela Davies expressed worries about the impact on children’s social skills and overall development. Education support services are stepping up, with family liaison officers and pastoral staff ready to help parents keep their kids in schools or encourage them back.
🛡️ New legislation is set to make it mandatory for EHE students to be registered, but it’s not in full swing yet. Meanwhile, a working group comprising youth services, mental health professionals, and education coordinators is digging deep to understand why so many families are opting out of school-based education.
🌱 Education portfolio holder, Councillor James Gibson-Watt, believes there’s a need for schools to become more inviting environments. He emphasised the increasing support available but also pointed to resource challenges that need addressing in future funding discussions.
It’s clear – making schools a better place for young people is a key priority. Powys is trying to uncover why students are leaving and aiming to offer the right support to bring them back! 🏫✨
Your thoughts? Why do you think home schooling is on the rise in Powys? Share in the comments below! 💬👇