What are the legal requirements for home-educating my child in the UK?
What do I need to inform the local authority, if anything?
Notifying the Local Authority
If your child is currently attending a mainstream school, you are required to inform the school in writing that you are withdrawing your child to home educate. Once this is done, the school will notify the local authority (LA) of your decision. You are not required to seek permission from the school or LA to home-educate, but it is essential to inform the school so your child is officially removed from the register.
If your child has never been registered at a school (for example, if you start home education from the beginning), there is no legal requirement to inform the local authority unless your child has a statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). In those cases, you must involve the local authority, as they are responsible for ensuring the provision specified in the EHCP.
For children in special schools, you must seek permission from the local authority before removing them from the school roll. However, this is usually a formality and permission is typically granted.
The Role of the Local Authority
Once your child is home-educated, the local authority has a duty to ensure that the education you provide is "suitable", but they do not have the power to dictate how you should educate your child or demand adherence to the National Curriculum. They may contact you to make informal enquiries about the education you offer, typically by asking for a written report, a meeting, or examples of your child's work. This is not an inspection but an opportunity to show that your child receives a broad and practical education.
You are not obligated to have a home visit or a face-to-face meeting if you prefer not to. Many parents choose to provide evidence in the form of a written educational philosophy, a learning plan, or examples of their child's work. The local authority should respect your educational approach as long as the evidence shows that the education is appropriate to your child's needs and abilities.
Special Considerations
If your child has an EHCP or additional needs, the local authority remains responsible for ensuring that their educational provision continues to meet those needs. This might involve annual reviews of the EHCP, where they will assess whether the provision outlined in the plan is still appropriate. Home education does not alter the LA's legal duty to ensure your child's needs are met, and you may still be able to access support or services if required.
What Does "Suitable Education" Mean?
The law requires that home-educated children receive a full-time education suitable for their age, ability, aptitude, and special needs. However, what "full-time" and "suitable" mean is not defined precisely. You are free to take a flexible approach to education, meaning you do not need to replicate a school schedule or follow the National Curriculum. Many home-educating families blend different learning methods, such as structured lessons, project-based learning, outdoor activities, and hands-on experiences, allowing children to learn at their own pace.
It's essential to remember that the responsibility to provide this education falls squarely on the parents. Although the local authority may check in periodically, they do not oversee the day-to-day education of your child. They will only intervene if there is clear evidence that a suitable education is not provided.