Know of a 14 year old who is not at school and not being HEd

[laughorcry]

Just wondering whethere other people would consider reporting someting like this.

The family have returned from abroad (of necessity due to loss of a job)and one of the children (aged 14 I think - possibly 13) is still not at school nearly two years later.

His parents have his name down for various schools but are not prepared for him to go to the only local schools that he could get a place at. So he is just hanging around at school and seems to spend all day playing on his playstation.

Is this any of my business? If so, what should I do?

i see
well as a parent who HEs i am coming from the viewpoint that a couple of years spent out of anything approaching formal education is not a total disaster
i agree like you that him spending all his time on the playstation is a waste
i think a school child doing that all weekend is a waste, though, but i can't report their parents for it

I really do agree with that viewpoint - I would guess that the vast bulk of the time I spent at school was a waste compared to what I would have got out of a committed and enthusiastic home education.

But if school isn't suitable - whether because of the particular school or because of the child's feelings - it seems to me that there is an obligation on the parents to take proper steps to home educate.

That said, I can't see myself reporting anyone - I have no confidence that anyone I might speak to would handle the situation properly and it seems to me that there is a significant risk of making things worse.

Just very sad for the boy though.

If they had moved within this country Ed welfare would have picked them up and if they have applied for schools here they should be in the system.

If you are really concerned speak to childrens services and ask for education welfare who can then look into it. They may have registered to HE though even if they aren't

what do you mean hanging around at school???? if so surely the school would do something. I cant believe the authorities condone this. Probably don't know. Needs mentioning to authorites for childs sake. Goodness knows how far behind he is.