Should parents meet with local authorities before deregistering children for home education?

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill introduces a pilot scheme in up to 30% of local authorities in England and Wales after royal assent in Spring 2026. Parents in pilot areas must attend a mandatory meeting with the local authority before removing a child from the school roll for home education. Home assessments will evaluate if the environment is conducive to suitable education, recording risks like overcrowding or noise.