Beyond The Classroom: Why Children In Kent Are Struggling To Access Education

Education is a fundamental right. Every child deserves a learning environment where they feel supported, understood, and given the chance to thrive. Yet, right here in Kent, hundreds of children are finding themselves without access to suitable education.

At Includes Us 2, we work closely with families who face the difficult decision of removing their child from school—not because they want to, but because, for some, it has become the only option. The increase in Elective Home Education (EHE) and Children Missing from Education (CME) tells a complex story—one that reflects the growing pressures on families, schools, and the wider education system.

The Numbers Tell a Story.

932 children in Kent were officially recorded as missing from education (CME) in 2023, a 23.3% increase from the previous year.

Over 1,000 children are withdrawn from school annually for home education—a 91% rise in primary-aged children and a 41% increase in secondary students.

The number of EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) requests is rising, with 138,242 initial applications in 2023—yet 24% were refused, leaving many children without access to crucial support.

What’s Behind These Figures?

Finding the right education for a child with additional needs should never be a battle, yet for many families, it has become just that. Schools and educators are working hard under increasing pressure, but too often, families are left navigating a system that feels slow, complex, and, at times, impossible to access. Long waits for support, limited specialist placements, and stretched resources mean that more and more parents are facing difficult decisions about their child’s future.

At Includes Us 2, we see the reality behind the numbers. Many parents turn to home education not because they want to, but because they feel they have no other choice. While home education can be a positive and empowering experience for some families, for others, it is a last resort when no suitable school placement is available, or when the right support simply isn’t there.

• Some schools may not have the resources to fully support a child’s additional needs.
• Many parents are stuck in limbo, waiting for an EHCP assessment or an appropriate school placement.
• For some children, anxiety and mental health challenges make attending school overwhelming.
• And for too many families, there is no clear pathway to securing the right educational support.

This growing gap in provision is reflected in the rising number of children missing from education and the significant increase in elective home education. But this is not about blame—families, schools, and local services all want the same thing: better support and brighter futures for these children. By working together, we can ensure that no child is left behind.

How Includes Us 2 is Supporting Families

At Includes Us 2, we are committed to supporting families whose children are out of school, ensuring they have access to opportunities, guidance, and a community that understands their challenges. Through our work, we provide:

A Safe Space for Learning & Social Interaction

Our latest project, Support for Children Out of School, offers two weekly groups designed specifically for children who are not accessing a suitable education setting. These sessions provide a structured, supportive environment where children can learn, interact, and build confidence. Alongside this, we run two weekly wellness walks, giving parents, carers, and children a chance to connect, get outdoors, and enjoy a bit of routine in their week.

Advocacy & Guidance for EHCPs and School Placements

We understand how overwhelming the EHCP process and school placement journey can be. That’s why we work closely with families, offering one-to-one support, attending school meetings, and helping to build positive relationships between parents and schools. Our goal is to empower families with knowledge and confidence, ensuring their children receive the support they are entitled to.

Well-Being & Mental Health Support

Many of the children we support have experienced anxiety, school-related trauma, or difficulties accessing an environment that meets their needs. We focus on creating safe, nurturing spaces where they can rebuild confidence, express themselves, and feel understood.

Workshops & Activities

Through structured activities, we help children develop social skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s arts and crafts, team-based games, or skill-building sessions, we create opportunities for children to engage in positive experiences that contribute to their personal growth.

At Includes Us 2, we know that every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and included, no matter their educational journey. We are here to help families navigate these challenges, build connections, and create brighter futures together.

But we can’t do this alone

These children are the future of our local workforce, and by supporting them now, we ensure they have the opportunity to contribute positively in the years to come. Many families are juggling the demands of work and home education, often making significant sacrifices to provide their children with the learning opportunities they need. Building an inclusive community means more than just acknowledging these challenges—it means actively working to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to reach their full potential. When we invest in children with disabilities and additional needs, we create a stronger, more connected, and forward-thinking society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

How Your Business Can Make a Real Difference

At Includes Us 2, we believe in building strong connections between local businesses and the community, ensuring that every child has access to opportunities that help them thrive. If you’re an employer or business looking to give back, there are several meaningful ways you can get involved and make an impact:

Sponsor Our Weekly Coffee Mornings & Wellness Walks – £25 per month

• Your sponsorship helps us create safe spaces for families and children who are out of education.
• Includes a social media thank-you post, the opportunity to display leaflets, and recognition for your support.

Donate Resources

• Could your business contribute paper, stationery, craft materials, or other resources that would help us run our sessions for children?
• Every donation, big or small, helps us create engaging activities for the children we support.

Sponsor an Educational Day Out

• Many of the children we support are not currently accessing suitable education—you can help provide them with valuable learning experiences outside the classroom.
• Sponsor a museum visit, workshop, or outdoor adventure to broaden their horizons.

Inspire the Next Generation

• We welcome business owners and professionals to visit and give a talk to the children we support.
• Share your career journey, how you started your business, or a fun and educational insight into your industry.

Looking to Work with Us on a Deeper Level?

• If your business is interested in a long-term partnership, employee volunteering, or tailored sponsorship opportunities, we’d love to discuss how we can collaborate.
• Get in touch: [email protected]

By working together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive Kent, where every child—no matter their circumstances—feels valued and supported.