Some parents choose to educate their children at home, for a variety of reasons. This Council, as the Local Education Authority (LEA), supports the right of parents to educate at home and work in partnership with parents to ensure the child receives a broad and balanced education suitable to their needs, aptitude and ability.
What should you do if you want to educate your son or daughter at home?
Parents making this decision should inform the headteacher of the school attended by their child and the school should then inform the LEA. If the child has never attended school, parents are asked to inform the LEA of their decision to educate at home.
What are parents' responsibilities?
The responsibility of the parent is clearly set out in Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 which 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.
Education has been held to be "efficient" if it achieves what it sets out to achieve and is "suitable" if it prepares the child for life in our society and also enables the child to achieve his/her full potential.
It should offer:
- a broad and balanced curriculum which is balanced relevant and differentiated
- opportunities for physical, social, spiritual and cultural development
The phrase "full time" can be interpreted differently, since a child's education at home is often on an individual basis.
Parents should be aware that it is becoming increasingly difficult for a young person who is home educated to gain formal qualifications and should consider the need for any young person to have formal qualifications for any future role in life.
What should this Council, as the Local Education Authority, do?
Under section 437(1) of the Act, the Local Education Authority must satisfy itself that parents are fulfilling their duties. If evidence is not provided of this, either in written form or by discussions with the Authority's Education Other Than At School Co-ordinator, the LEA may conclude that a child is not being effectively educated and we would then take steps to secure the child's return to school.
What if the child has special educational needs?
For a child with a Statement of Special Educational Needs whose Statement names a special school, the situation is different and the LEA must be consulted and must give its permission for education at home. The LEA must also take responsibility for ensuring that the Statement is reviewed once a year.
Visit the websites under Related Links for more information.