What to teach your child at home
You will need to provide a full time, efficient education that is suitable for the child's age, ability and aptitude. You do not need to be a qualified teacher, but by working together and identifying how and what your child wants to learn you can equip them for their future.
If your child has special educational needs, the education must meet these needs. If you think your child has special educational needs contact us for advice.
The education you provide should prepare your child for life in our modern society and enable them to progress towards reaching their full potential. You don't need to follow the National Curriculum, but think about how your child will develop a range of skills, for example:
- communication
- observation and awareness
- problem solving
- creative and imaginative
- numerical
- physical
- personal and social
We recommend you consider some elements of the core subjects, for example maths, English, science and ICT but how and what you choose is your decision.
Details of what is covered in the National Curriculum is available on GOV.UK.
Teaching time
As a guide, children who go to school attend for 190 days a year, and the following weekly teaching hours are recommended by the Department for Education and Skills:
- 21 hours for 5 to 7 year olds
- 23.5 hours for 8 to 11 year olds
- 24 hours for 12 to 16 year olds
Resources to help you teach
There are a number of printed and online resources that you can use, and groups to get involved with to help you provide an education to your child. Visit our resources webpage.