Home Education

Home education or 'elective home education' (EHE) means:

• Your child is educated at home instead of school.
• They are taught by their parent/guardian.
• They could also be taught by a private tutor.
• This could include reading, writing, maths and other subjects.

Why would I choose to home educate?

• Home education may well be more appropriate for Gypsy and Traveller families:
  • Families are often very close knit.
  • Bullying and racism may lead you to take your child out of school.
• Teaching can be more personalised and flexible.
  • You do not have to teach your child specific subjects.
  • You could do teaching outdoors if you would like.
• Special educational needs might mean that you home educate:
  • This could be because it is the best option for your child.
  • But you might feel like it is your only option.
  • See this page for other educational options for children with SEN.

Tell the school

• If your child is in school you must tell the school of your plan to home educate.
• You can download our letter template here to use.
• The school must accept your decision if:
  • You want your child to leave school completely.
• The school can choose to reject your plan if:
  • You plan to have your child at school part-time (flexi-schooling),

Contact your local council

• You can ask your local council for help with home education.
• You do not need the council's permission to home educate unless:
  • Your child has special educational needs (SEN).
  • Your child is in school due to a school attendance order.

Legal requirements

• You must provide a full-time education for your child from age 5.
• You do not have to follow the national curriculum.
• Your local council may ask if you are home-schooling your child:
  • You are legally obligated to tell them.
  • They also may make ask to visit your home for an 'informal enquiry'.
  • You do not have to allow visits.

Education Otherwise

• • Service: Support and advice for parents who home educate their children.
  • Email: enquiries@educationotherwise.org.
  • Telephone: 0300 124 5690:
    • Open Monday to Friday
    • 10.00am to 6.00pm
  • Please note: Advice line and email are answered by volunteers.
    • Hours and response time are depend on their availability.