Home education

What is Elective Home Education (EHE)?

Elective Home Education is when parents choose to educate their child at home instead of sending them to school. Families choose EHE for many reasons, and approaches vary widely. Some follow a structured, school‑like model, while others use informal, interest‑led or autonomous learning. Both approaches are valid. 

Home‑educated young people may still take exams, enter further/higher education, start work or training, or pursue other pathways. Social development is not considered disadvantaged, as children often mix with other home‑educating families and join clubs or activities. There is no requirement to follow the National Curriculum. Parents need no formal qualifications but must ensure education is efficient, full‑time, and suitable. 

Local authorities may make informal enquiries to confirm that appropriate education is being provided. 

How much does home education cost?

Parents are responsible for all costs, including books, materials, exam fees, and resources. There is no financial support from the local authority or government. Computers and internet access are helpful but not required; free access is available in libraries and community facilities. Many home‑educating families reduce costs by sharing resources or making use of freely available educational activities and everyday experiences. 

How can I flexi‑school my child?

Flexi‑schooling allows a child to remain on the school roll while attending school part‑time and being educated at home part‑time.

Key requirements:

• A formal written agreement between school and parents defining attendance days/times and subjects taught at home vs. school.
• The school must agree—there is no legal duty for a school to offer flexi‑schooling.
• National Curriculum requirements apply to the subjects taught in school; parents must ensure suitable learning for the home‑taught subjects. 

Are children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) able to be home educated?

Yes. Parents retain the right to home educate a child with a SEN Statement or EHCP.

Important notes:

• The local authority must maintain the statement/EHCP and ensure the child’s needs are met.
• Annual reviews continue, and parents are always involved.
• If a child is on roll at a special school, local authority agreement is required before removal from the roll. 

How do I begin home education for a child who is below compulsory school age or has never attended school?

There is no legal requirement to inform the local authority. However, Staffordshire County Council requests that parents email or write to tell them a child is being home educated.
Email: electivehomeeducation@staffordshire.gov.uk. 

How do I begin home education for a child who is currently registered at a school?

Parents must:

1. Write to the Headteacher requesting removal from the school roll.
2. Quote Regulation 9(1)(c) of The Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 1996.
3. The school must remove the child from roll and notify Children’s Services.

If parents fail to deregister properly, the child is still expected to attend school and parents may risk prosecution for non‑attendance.

What are the local authority’s responsibilities?

Staffordshire County Council must:

• Ensure all compulsory‑school‑age children receive a suitable education.
• Make informal enquiries where home education is suspected or known.
• Act if education appears unsuitable.
• Provide school places where needed and enforce attendance for registered pupils.

Parents may provide evidence of education through reports, work samples, meetings, or progress records.

What happens if the local authority is concerned about the education provided?

The authority typically:

• Contacts parents explaining concerns.
• Offers advice, recommendations, and support.
• Sets timescales for improvement.
• Arranges follow‑up.

If concerns remain unresolved, the authority may determine education is unsuitable and refer the case to Families First, Targeted Services. 

What is the role of Local Support Teams?

Local Support Teams help children/young people with needs not met by school or universal services, but not requiring social work involvement.

Other notes:

• Safeguarding processes apply; adults working with children may need DBS checks.
• Children should be involved in decisions affecting them (Children Act 2004).
• Information is shared only with consent except where legally required (e.g., preventing harm).

What is the definition of a ‘parent’?

In education law, parent includes:

• Natural parents
• Anyone with parental responsibility (Children Act 1989)
• Anyone who has care of a child (e.g., guardians, carers)

All individuals with parental responsibility must be consulted on education matters. 

What is ‘compulsory school age’?

A child becomes compulsory school age on the 1 January, 1 April, or 1 September after their 5th birthday.
Compulsory school age ends on the last Friday in June of the school year in which they turn 16. 

What is ‘full‑time education’ in home education?

There is no legally defined number of hours for home education.

School pupils attend around 21.5–25 hours per week, but home education may be structured or flexible. The key is that learning is the child’s main daily activity and is appropriate for their age, ability, and needs. 

What is ‘efficient’ and ‘suitable’ education?

Court interpretations define:

• Efficient = systematic instruction that achieves intended outcomes.
• Suitable = prepares the child for life in the community and helps them develop full potential.

Home education need not resemble school or follow the National Curriculum. It must meet the needs of the individual child. 

What is the legal framework for home education?

The key legislation is Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, requiring parents to ensure their child receives an efficient, full‑time, suitable education—either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. 

What if I feel the authority has acted unreasonably?

Parents may:

1. Raise concerns directly with the authority.
2. Submit a written complaint to:
   1 Staffordshire Place, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2DH
3. If unresolved, appeal to the Secretary of State (Section 68/69, Education Act 1944) or the Local Government Ombudsman. 

What enforcement powers does the local authority have?

Under Section 437(1) of the Education Act 1996, if a child is not receiving suitable education, the council may:

• Issue a notice requiring parents to prove suitability.
• If unsatisfied, issue a School Attendance Order (SAO) requiring school registration.
• Prosecute for non‑compliance (fines up to £1,000, rising to £3,500 and/or 3 months imprisonment for continued failure).
• Seek Parenting Orders under the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act.

Legal action is described as rare, with preference given to resolving issues collaboratively.