Home education laws have come under scrutiny after Sara Sharif’s tragic death, with calls to prevent parents from home-educating children if abuse is suspected. The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, described it as “madness” that current legislation allows parents to remove children from school even when concerns of abuse are raised. This case has reignited the debate around safeguarding and the urgent need for reform.
Dame Rachel’s recommendations include introducing a mandatory register for children being home-educated, a measure she believes could help identify those at risk. According to the Children’s Commissioner’s Report on Safeguarding, such measures are critical for addressing current safeguarding gaps. “Being in school is a safeguard. They are safer under the eyes of teachers,” she told BBC Newsnight. The Commissioner also advocated for enhanced data sharing between health and education services, as well as across local authorities, to close loopholes that allow vulnerable children to slip through the cracks.
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The government’s proposed Children’s Wellbeing Bill, currently in development, aims to address some of these issues. While details remain under consultation, Dame Rachel urged lawmakers to include robust measures ensuring children’s safety, including an end to the “reasonable chastisement” defence in child assault cases. “We cannot let a child who is at risk be educated at home. It’s madness,” she reiterated.
Surrey County Council has announced an independent safeguarding review into Sara’s case, aiming to uncover systemic failings. Rachael Wardell, the council’s Executive Director for Children, affirmed their commitment to protecting children and participating fully in the forthcoming review. “We are determined to understand the wider circumstances surrounding Sara’s tragic death,” she said.
This case has ignited discussions nationwide about the balance between parental rights, home education and the need for systemic oversight to protect children. Advocates for stricter measures argue that a register and improved inter-agency communication could prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, critics caution against overreach that may unfairly target families choosing legitimate home education.
As the Children’s Wellbeing Bill progresses, the government faces pressure to ensure robust safeguards without stigmatising responsible parents.
For more updates on children’s safeguarding and the proposed reforms, visit EyeOnLondon.
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