Home teaching
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 and full-time
- must be suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude
- if your child has special education needs, it must cater for them
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. We will need evidence that you are doing this. 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 LEA 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 is 'suitable' education?
'Suitable' is not defined by the 1996 Act, leaving education authorities and parents to decide on their own interpretation but must be construed as having regard to the requirements of the National Curriculum. However, the National Curriculum does not apply to home educators but does apply to schools. We ask parents to show how the child is developing and learning and make judgements based upon our knowledge of pupils in schools.
What should I teach my child?
When deciding how much time to devote to your child's education you may find it helpful to know that the Department for Education and Skills recommends the following weekly teaching hours:
- 21 hours for 5-7 year olds
- 23.5 hours for 8-11 year olds
- 24 hours for 12-16 year olds
Pupils are required to attend school for 190 days each year.
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 LEA will approach you to provide evidence that the child is receiving an efficient and suitable education. You should do this in a number of ways.
Parents might for example:
- write a report
- provide samples of work
- have the education provision endorsed by a recognised third party
- provide evidence in any other appropriate form
Parents will be visited at least annually by an LEA inspector with the child being present.
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 LEA 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 LEA within ten school days.
The parent should also notify the Principal Education Welfare Officer in writing at:
Education Welfare Service
St James's House
Pendleton Way
Salford
M6 5FW
If your child has never been registered at a school you should inform the LEA of your intention to home educate your child at the address shown below for the Education Inclusion Service.
Parents/guardians seeking to home-educate children with a statement of special education needs must inform the LEA of their intention. It remains the LEA's duty to ensure that the child's needs are met. The statement must remain in force and the LEA must ensure that parents make suitable provision, including provision for the child's educational needs.
Other Useful Links
Education Otherwise
Tel: 0845 478 6345
Education Advisory Service
Tel: 01707 371854
Department for Education and Skills
Who to contact
For more information about education other than at school, contact the Education Inclusion Service at:
Halton House
36 Eccles Old Road
SALFORD
M6 8RA
Tel:0161-607 1678
Email:jacqui.hughes@salford.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 29 February 2008
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