Home-school register is welcomed by Portsmouth education boss

Councillor Neill Young, who is cabinet member for children and education at Portsmouth City Council, said the authority has a responsibility for all young people.

Speaking to The News, he said: ‘We have to give children the best possible start. We do have responsibility for educating children in the city.

‘Having children taught in a school setting gives them so many more benefits.

‘However I do appreciate that there is a minority of children who need to be home-schooled.

‘It is the personal choice of the parents but I would want to see some sort of register to make sure that they are getting the best education.

‘If they are not getting the best education, as the local authority, we are failing them.’