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Online schools accreditation scheme

Summary

We are seeking views on a proposal to establish a voluntary accreditation scheme for online schools.

This consultation closes at

Overview

We are seeking views on a proposal to establish a voluntary accreditation scheme for online schools.

Why We Are Consulting

There is a growing market of online school providers for children in England, that offer a full curriculum and/or represent a childā€™s main source of formal education.

As this type of provision is currently unregulated, the Department for Education is looking at how children, parents and local authorities can be assured of a quality education and appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

To address this issue, this consultation makes two key proposals: 

  • The establishment of a voluntary online schools accreditation scheme
  • The establishment of non-statutory standards for online schools 

We are also consulting on inspection arrangements for online settings wishing to join the accreditation scheme.

Consultation description

There is a growing number of online school providers in England. These providers offer a full curriculum and represent a childā€™s main source of education.

Online schools are currently unregulated. The Department for Education is looking at how children, parents and local authorities can be assured of quality education and appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

The consultation proposes to establish a voluntary online schools accreditation scheme, and non-statutory standards for online schools.

We are also consulting on inspection arrangements for online settings that wish to join the accreditation scheme.


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