Electing to educate your child at home

Information about educating your child at home.

As a parent you have the legal right to choose to educate your children other than by attendance at school, usually by providing education at home. We support your right to educate at home. Local Authorities have a duty in law to monitor that children who aren't educated in school receive a suitable education.

What should you do if you want to educate your son or daughter at home?

You must inform your child's Headteacher in writing. He/she will then let the local Authority know.

If your child has never attended school, please let us know so that we are able to support the plans for your child's education.

What are parents' responsibilities?

Your responsibilities are clearly set out in Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 which briefly states:

The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him/her to receive efficient full time education suitable:

• to his/her age, ability and aptitude
• to any special educational needs he/she may have

either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

Suitable Education

There is no rule about what a suitable education might be. However to prepare a child for life in a modern society and to reach his or her full potential, it should offer:

• A broad and balanced curriculum
• English, Mathematics and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
• Opportunities for physical, social, spiritual and cultural development.

The phrase "full time" can be widely interpreted and we recognise that there are many, equally valid approaches to educational provision.

You must also consider your child's needs for formal qualifications for any future role in life.

What role does the Local Authoirty have?

In order to make a decision about whether your child is receiving a suitable education, we will visit you, to regularly discuss the education being offered. Following the visit, a report will be written, stating whether your provision is suitable.

The Local Authority has a duty to intervene only if there is evidence the education is not suitable.

What if the child has special educational needs?

If a child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs, which names a particular school, the local authority must be consulted about your wish to educate at home. The local authority will ensure the Statement is reviewed once a year.

What should be considered before deciding to educate at home?

Before making the decision to home educate, you may wish to speak to an education officer or adviser at the Local Authority on the telephone number below.

From the start make sure that you are doing what is right for your child. If appropriate speak to one of the elective home education support agencies.

Further information

For further information, see Educating Children at Home, England and Wales (Department for Education and Skills (DfES) 1998).

Contact Details

For further information about Home Education please contact us

Telephone: 0121 704 8536

Email: sias@solihull.gov.uk