Choosing to home educate children and young people with an EHC plan or Statement of Educational Needs.

Parents have a duty to ensure that their children receive a suitable full time education either by regular attendance at school or otherwise (under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996). Some parents decide, as they are entitled, to provide suitable education by educating their children at home.

When parents withdraw their child from school to do this, and the child is of compulsory school age, the name of the child can only be deleted from the admissions register of the school where the parents inform the school in writing as provided by Section 8 (1) (d) of the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006: That he/she has ceased to attend the school and the proprietor has received written notification from the parent that the pupil is receiving education otherwise than at school’. It is then the duty of the school to inform the Local Authority.

Although children and young people with statements of special educational needs can be home educated, the Local Authority remains responsible for ensuring that the child's needs are met. The EHC plan or statement must stay in force and be reviewed annually.  The local authority must ensure that parents/carers can make suitable provision, including providing for their child’s special educational needs. If the parent/carer’s arrangements are suitable, the Local Authority is relieved of their duty to arrange the provision directly, but it still remains the duty of the Local Authority to ensure the child’s needs are met.

If you are thinking about home schooling your child or young person for registering and more information please follow the link: Home Education homepage