Letting the school know

My child is currently registered at a school

If you've decided to educate your child at home, you'll need to tell their school. Write to the school and ask for your child's name to be removed from the school register.

The school will then tell us that you have chosen to take responsibility for your child's education.

If you're having problems with the school

Home education is a big decision. If you're considering it because of a disagreement or concern, it may help to talk through the situation first.

Speak to your child's headteacher or contact us for advice and support. We may be able to help you and the school find a way forward that works for your child.

If you feel under pressure to start home educating, please get in touch. We're here to help.

My child is not registered at a school

If your child has never been registered at a school, you do not need to tell us.

However, we'd encourage you to get in touch so we can keep you informed about support, events and opportunities for home-educating families.

Contact us for support.

Children with special educational needs

If your child has special educational needs (SEN) you can still educate them at home, whether they have an education, health and care (EHC) plan or not. If your child has an EHC plan, we have a duty to make sure the child's needs are met, and that you make suitable provision, including for your child's special educational needs.

However, if your child goes to a special school, you will need permission from us before you can take your child out of special school and start home educating them.

Next steps

Once we're told of your decision, we'll get in touch with you for an initial chat. Read what happens next and how we can support you.