Elective Home Education

The law states:

The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause them to receive efficient full-time education suitable:

to his/her age, ability and aptitude; and
to any special education needs he/she may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise

Most children receive their full-time education in state or private schools but a small number of parents prefer to educate their children at home. If you wish to do this, this page can help you find out more about what is required to be a home educator.

What is my duty as a parent/guardian?

If you have a school-age child, you must see that he/she is educated. You can delegate this duty to a school, or you can carry it out yourself.

In any case, the education provided:

must be effective
must be suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude
must cater for any special education needs

What is the education authority's duty?

We have a statutory duty to ensure that children who are educated at home are educated according to the law and that parents are providing a 'suitable' education. If we think that you are merely encouraging absence from school and not providing home education, we will consider invoking a School Attendance Order, which gives the local education authority the power to put a child's name on the school register. Failure to attend the school after this could result in a fixed penalty fine up to £100.

What should I teach my child?

Education should impart knowledge but also help children develop a range of life skills. You should consider how the education you provide will help your child to develop:

communication skills
observation and awareness skills
problem solving skills
creative and imaginative skills
numerical skills
physical skills
personal and social skills

How will I be assessed?

If you decide to educate your child at home, the local education authority will approach you to establish that the child is receiving an efficient and suitable education. The inspector would normally make an annual visit. Alternatively, the parent might wish to make a report (this is not compulsory).

Who do I inform?

If you are withdrawing your child from school, it is important to see that he/she is de-registered.

The pupil's name will be removed from the admission register of a school if he/she has ceased to attend the school and the school has received written notification from the parent/guardian that the pupil is receiving education otherwise than at school.

The parent/guardian does not need to ask permission from the local education authority to begin home education, as long as the parent/guardian has notified the governing body of the school, usually through the headteacher. The school will report the deletion of the pupil's name from the admission register to the local education authority within ten school days.

If your child has never been registered at a school, you should inform the local education authority of your intention to home educate your child.

Parents/guardians seeking to home educate children with a statement of special education needs must inform the local education authority of their intention. It remains the local education authority's duty to ensure that the child's needs are met. The statement must remain in force and the local education authority must ensure that parents make suitable provision, including provision for the child's educational needs.

Who to contact

Name: Inclusive Learning Services
Address: First Floor
Burrows House
10 Priestley Road
Wardley Industrial Estate
Worsley
M28 2LY
Map to this location

This page was last updated on 31 August 2011