When there are concerns
Sometimes extra support is needed, or people may report seeing a child out during school hours. Education is compulsory, but school is not—so the Local Authority (LA) must check if a child is getting a suitable education.
Legal duties
Under Section 437 of the Education Act 1996, if the LA thinks a child is not receiving suitable education, it will:
- Send a written notice asking parents to prove the child is being educated.
If parents do not satisfy the LA and it believes the child should attend school, the LA can issue a School Attendance Order.
Under Section 443, failing to comply with this order is an offence unless parents prove the child is receiving suitable education at home.
The LA will always try to work with parents informally before taking legal steps.
Child welfare and safeguarding
Parents may hire tutors, but they remain responsible for the child’s education and safety.
- Check references and ensure tutors have a DBS certificate.
- The LA can advise on DBS checks.
If you believe the child to be at risk of immediate harm, this must be reported to the police on 999 or 101.
Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. If concerns arise, they must be reported immediately to the Staffordshire Integrated Front Door Service. If it is an urgent need please contact the Police on 101
To report a concern please use our child safeguarding form
Emergency Duty Service (out of hours): 0345 604 2886
Police: 101
For Stoke on Trent local authority referrals: 01782 235100
Staffordshire County Council is committed to working with home educating parents in a spirit of partnership and co-operation in order that both parties, parents and the county council, can effectively meet their respective duties under existing legislation.
Resources
Direct Gov - Department of Education
Free educational resources
- Education Freedom – support, advice and information for home educators with the UK.
- Primary Resources – parents can access free lesson plans, activity ideas and resources for primary age children.
- Learn English Kids - a website where parents and children can access free online games, songs, stories and activities for children to have fun and learn English too.
- BBC Schools – the BBC learning website with primary and secondary resources which are available for all children, whether educated at school or otherwise.
- Channel 4 Learning – online education resources for educators of primary and secondary school age children.
- TES - a website where parents may access a variety of educational resources, including lesson plans or resources for specific topics of interest.
- SEN Teacher – a website dedicated to providing free printable resources for those responsible for teaching children and young people with special educational needs
- ED Yourself – a home educational consultancy site providing updates on key areas of practice and policy relating to elective home education.
- SEND Family Partnership: 01785 356921
- CRB Online - Disclosure & Barring Service to check tutor/service providers for their children
- mailto:ew.statutoryactions@staffordshire.gov.uk – Child in Employment / Entertainment Office
