Educating your child at home
Pupils educated by their parents at home
The law allows you to provide education for your child other than at school but the Local Authority (LA) must be satisfied that the child will be taught a broad and detailed curriculum.
Parents must accept full responsibility for educating a child at home as the LA does not provide financial assistance, a curriculum, or tutors for children who are taken out of school by their parents.
Parents making this decision should inform the head teacher of the school their child attends in writing and the school should then inform the Education Services of the LA. If the child has never attended school, parents should inform the LA.
What are parents' responsibilities?
This is set out in the Education Act 1996 (See 'Associated Links')
Parents must ensure that children of compulsory school age receive:
- efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude
- education suitable to any special educational needs they may have either by regular attendance at school or otherwise
There is no rule about what a suitable education might be, but it should prepare a child for life in modern society and allow the child to reach his or her full potential. It could offer:
A broad and balanced curriculum
- English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT).
- Opportunities for physical, 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. A minimum of three hours a day is suggested. Parents should consider the need for any young person to have formal qualifications for their future role in life and they will be responsible for making arrangements for examinations to be taken.
What if the child has special educational needs?
For a child with a Statement of Special Educational Needs which names a special school, the situation is different and the LA must be consulted and must give its permission for education at home. The LA must also take responsibility for ensuring that the Statement is reviewed once a year.
What should we, as the local authority, do?
Once you have decided what provision or the type of programme you will be putting in place for your child at home we ask that you send some details outlining the subject or topic details. This would help the Authority decide whether you are satisfying the condition that your child receives efficient and suitable education.
The LA only has a duty to intervene if it has evidence that the education offered is not suitable. In order to make a decision on this basis an Education Officer will make a request to visit the family, if possible, to view the education being offered. Many parents find this useful as the Officer can offer advice and information in regard to education provision. Following the visit, a report will be written, stating whether provision is suitable.
Is there a list of tutors that the authority could recommend?
No, the authority cannot recommend private tutors. You could look either in directories like the Yellow Pages or Thomson Local or the small ads in local papers. Croydon Online (See 'Associated Links') also has a section on tutors that you may find helpful.
If you need to talk through your intentions with an education officer you could in the first instance contact the Education Welfare Officer attached to your child's school. You can get the details from the school. If you would like further information about educating at home, please ring the above number and request the booklet called 'Educating Your Child at Home'. This should show you where to look for the more detailed information you will need.
Contact Details
- Contact name
- Judy Bennett
- Job title
- Admin Officer
- Telephone
- 020 8726 7783 ext 18484
- Address
- 7th Floor
Leon House
233 High Street
Croydon
CR0 9XT
