Slipped through the net

[HippyGalore]

I was wondering if there is a sort of regional co-ordinator or anything in place for HE-ed children as I know a girl of 13 (X) who seems to have slipped through the net. I don't want to call SS or anything as she is a bit old, very mature for her age and if she was receiving an education during the day (in any form) it would be less worrying.

I coach her at a sports club and she is there all day. I have asked her about her day and she waits until her mum gets up, makes her mum breakfast then heads down to the club for the whole day. It is fairly obvious from the few times I have met her that the mum has a drinking problem. She has not done any form of education since X was 10, by both the child and mums admission - they were never involved with other HE parents. By my (very rough) estimates, her literacy is similar to a 6yr olds - yet she is very bright.

I really don't want people thinking that I am against HE in any way. I am worried if I raise concerns myself then she (mum) will turn it into a HE/conventional ed fight (she tried to get every anti vaccination person up in arms against our club in the past when her dad took her to A&E for tetanus on our recommendation). She likes championing causes to deflect from her own failings (there are other instances of this) and I just really want to make sure the girl is okay and has some semblance of her own life, not just treading water on her mum's chaos while her peers (of all education types) move forwards.

So, sorry for long post, basically is there anyone I can call, who could check in as if it is normal to do so, without making it look like she has been reported in any way? In Scotland, if that makes a difference.

[SDeuchars]

The short answer is that the Education Welfare Dept in the LA are the appropriate people to enquire about the suitability of education. If the girl was withdrawn from school, they may have a record of her. If not, it is likely that the mother may guess she has been reported but that is not an unusual occurrence.

What were the circumstances under which they admitted that "She has not done any form of education since X was 10"? Does the girl feel that she has a problem? Is she at the club every day? Can you talk to her about what she would like to be doing as she approaches 16 and becomes an adult? If the home education is not suitable, she could "report" herself - the remedy the LA will offer is to find her a place in school.

[AMumInScotland]

In Scotland, it is the local council which has responsibility - you can get a contact for the right council from this list

The council have a responsibility for ensuring that HE children are receiving an "efficient education for him suitable to his age, ability and aptitude", whether or not the child has ever gone to a state school. But some councils may not be in touch with every HE family, even if they know about them, so it may still be obvious that someone has alerted them to a possible problem.