Lincolnshire County Council funding unaccredited online schools for 339 pupils despite the Department for Education recommending the use of Ofsted-accredited providers
Hundreds of children are receiving taxpayers’ money to attend unaccredited online schools.
A Freedom of Information request submitted to Lincolnshire County Council revealed that 339 children across the county have received council funding for unaccredited internet classes this academic year.
Three years ago only one Lincolnshire child received this type of funding.
Families may choose to access online education when a child is unable to attend a regular school because of illness, additional needs or parental choice.
Online schools are unregulated but in 2019 the Department for Education ran a consultation exercise on a proposed accreditation scheme. It recommended that from the autumn term of 2023, or as soon as practicable after that date, commissioners of full-time online education for school-age pupils in England should only use accredited providers.
To qualify for accreditation a provider must teach online-only on a permanent basis, provide a full curriculum or represent a child’s main source of education, have at least one full-time pupil of compulsory school age, and have a physical presence in England.
In 2021/22 Lincolnshire County Council provided funding to one child for unaccredited online schooling, This rose to six children in 2022/23 and 183 the following year. The figure is now 339.
The woman who submitted the enquiry did not wish to be named. She said: “The response I received was both shocking and worrying. The council has funded hundreds of places at education providers that aren’t Ofsted-accredited.
”What’s even more alarming is the sharp increase in the number of children being sent to these unregulated providers. This raises serious questions about how decisions are being made regarding SEND education and whether the council is fully safeguarding these children.”
The council could not say how much money has been spent on unaccredited schools but Martin Smith, the assistant director for children's education, at Lincolnshire County Council, insists checks are carried out to ensure education providers are suitable.
He said: “The online education services sector for children in England has grown rapidly in recent years. This type of provision is currently unregulated. Many providers now offer a full curriculum and may represent a child’s main or only source of formal education.
“When used well, alternative providers address individual needs, supporting often very vulnerable children and young people to engage with education. Lincolnshire uses these alternative providers to implement a flexible, personalised and bespoke approach to learning.
“The Department for Education has recently introduced an accreditation scheme to reassure children, parents and local authorities of the quality of education and safeguarding arrangements offered by these providers, who are currently classed as 'unregistered'. Where appropriate, Lincolnshire is exploring the option of using accredited providers.
“When commissioning 'unregistered' providers, Lincolnshire ensures there are robust checks and safeguards in place to maintain oversight of the delivery of quality education for children and young people.”
The same Freedom of Information request was submitted to councils across the country. Rutland County Council said it has not provided any funding for children to attend unaccredited online schools during the past five years.
Do you think the council should only use accredited providers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.