Parents - Elective home education guidance
Parents’ Legal Duty
Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents must make sure their child gets a full-time education suitable for their age, ability, and any special needs. This can be at school or at home.
Home Education Rules
- Parents who choose home education do not need to register or get approval from the local authority.
- If the child was on a school roll, parents must follow the deregistration process, and the school must tell the local authority.
Adjusting to Home Education
Home education is a big change. Children may need time to de-school—to adjust from school routines to new ways of learning. Parents often take longer to adapt because home learning looks different from traditional schooling.
There are many home education groups and activities across Staffordshire. Support from other parents is often as important for you as it is for your child.
What Home Education Can Look Like
Home education is flexible. Parents are not required to:
- Teach the National Curriculum
- Follow a timetable or school hours
- Have special premises or qualifications
- Give formal lessons or assessments
- Match school-based standards
Parents can choose their own approach and may use private tutors. If you do, it’s your responsibility to check they are safe to work with children. The local authority can help with DBS checks
