Worcestershire County Council's home education team spoke at a seminar at the House of Commons, sharing their good practice with senior civil servants.

The All Party Parliamentary Group chaired by Graham Stuart, chairman of the Education Select Committee, was called to discuss how to improve access to exams for home educated candidates.

In June 2013, the Government issued new guidance to local authorities, and as a result, Worcestershire identified a range of further education opportunities for elective home education learners ranging from full time GCSE programmes to bespoke foundation learning courses in a variety of vocational areas.

The county council has also developed protocols to promote the welfare and engagement of 14 to 16-year-olds in further education and developed strong relationships with further education providers to ensure that they are aware when home educated young people are applying for college. This allows the Council to support these young people directly with their attendance and engagement.

Councillor Liz Eyre, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "Our partnership with further education providers, particularly in the context of home education in Worcestershire, has been recognised as a model of good practice nationally by the home education community.

"We are delighted that our officers were invited to speak at the All Party Parliamentary Group. This is just one of the ways that in Worcestershire we are working hard to support all our children and young people in whatever education setting their families have chosen. Our role embraces welfare and encouraging engagement. "