What is Elective Home Education?
Every parent has the right to home educate their child.
Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 states:
The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable –
- (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and
- (b) to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
Elective home education is a choice by parents to provide education for their children at home - or at home and in some other way which they choose - instead of sending them to school full-time. It is important that you understand that when you choose to educate your child at home, you take on full financial responsibility for all associated costs including exam fees.
What does compulsory school age mean?
When a child is of compulsory school age, parents must by law, make sure they receive suitable and efficient, full-time education. A child becomes compulsory school age on the first day of the school term following their fifth birthday. They continue to be compulsory school age until the last Friday in June in the school year that your child turns 16.
Many pupils turn 16 prior to that date, but they must continue their education until the last Friday in June.
What happens if I decide to home educate my child?
When you are sure that you want to educate your child at home, you should inform your child’s school in writing. School will inform the EHE Officer, and your child will be removed from school roll. You should start your child’s education at home without delay.
What if my child has SEND?
Your right to educate your child at home applies equally where a child has special educational needs (SEN) or has Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP); unless your child attends a special school.
If your child attends a special school, the local authority must give permission to the school to remove your child from roll. You should contact your SENDAS Officer and request an EHC review to ensure that you understand all options that are available to you when your child has an EHCP.
You can also obtain independent advice from Bolton Information and Advice Service
Before deciding to home educate your child, please speak to your child’s school and the EHE officer to make sure you understand what is required.
