Abstract: • Nahamu’s position on the state of education for charedi children is set out in a
paper published in September 2024. The paper made recommendations that
require primary legislation. This bill is a welcome step towards ensuring every
child receives a broad and balanced education, and we welcome the inclusion
of provisions that will specifically improve the lives of charedi children.
• This submission focuses on the following areas of the bill:
Children not in school (clauses 24 to 29 and schedule 1)
• Independent educational institutions (clauses 30 to 35)
• Ofsted’s powers to investigate unregistered, and therefore illegal,
independent schools (clauses 36 to 37)
• Revised national curriculum (clause 41)
• School admission arrangements (clauses 47 to 50)
• The opening new schools (clauses 51 to 55).
• While legitimate homeschooling should be supported, tighter provisions are
needed to prevent misuse as a guise for unregistered, illegal schooling. This
includes clear definitions of “efficient” and “full-time” education, standardised
guidelines, and sufficient funding for oversight.
• Current enforcement mechanisms, including SAOs, risk being ineffective
without stronger accountability measures. Remedies must prioritise access to
education over punitive approaches.
• This submission underscores the need for targeted funding, strengthened
oversight, and specific measures to address the unique challenges within
charedi communities, ensuring all children, including charedi children, access
their legal right to education
