It was revealed last week that 22 primary and 16 secondary age pupils are currently being taught at home, although the numbers could be higher because parents have had no obligation to notify Scottish Borders Council if a child has never been to a local school.

New guidance published by the Scottish Government earlier this year emphasised the right of every child to an education, as well as the duty of every parent to provide it, either by sending the child to school or by "other means".

As the statutory education authority, SBC is compelled to support children being taught at home, even when parents have no qualifications or training and, indeed, when they are under no obligation to recruit specialist tutors.

But while SBC's education executive agreed last week to offer that assistance, councillors also wanted assurances that home education was in the best interests of the child.

And councillors approved a new policy, which comes into effect on Monday and allows, in some circumstances, SBC's director of education Glenn Rodger to refuse consent for a youngster of school age to be educated at home.

"We want to create the right balance between respecting the legal right of parents to educate their children at home and safeguarding the future of all children," said Councillor Catriona Bhatia, SBC's executive member for education.

"While their education may be considered unconventional, it is essential home-educated children enjoy a breadth of experience that will enable them to cope effectively in today's society and achieve their potential."

In terms of support, the council will offer home-educated children access to the council's resource centre in Melrose and allow them to join classes in school for specialist subjects, such as the sciences. The council will also "whenever possible" allow the pupils to come into school to sit national examinations.

Consent from the council is not required if a child has never attended a public school in the Borders or has been withdrawn from an independent school.

But permission must be given by Mr Rodger if a child is being withdrawn from a local school and parents must present proposals on how they intend to provide "an efficient and suitable education" and details of the resources they will use to deliver it.

The policy states that the social, economic, racial or religious background of parents wishing to be home educators has no bearing on any decision to refuse consent.

"We need to know, however, that parents are enthusiastic and recognise a child's needs, attitudes and aspirations," explained Mrs Bhatia.