In the UK, homeschooling (referred to as home education) is a legal and straightforward process if your child is already enrolled in school. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Decide if Home Education is the Right Choice
Before making any decisions, carefully evaluate whether homeschooling suits your child’s needs, your family’s lifestyle, and your ability to dedicate the necessary time and resources.
Research methods and resources: Consider the Montessori/Waldorf approach, online curricula, or bespoke learning tailored to your child.
Understand responsibilities: As a parent, you are fully responsible for your child’s education, including covering all subjects required by law and meeting their developmental needs.
2. Notify the School in Writing
You must inform the school in writing that you intend to withdraw your child for home education.
For children in mainstream school: Write a letter to the school headteacher. You can use a simple statement, such as:
"I am writing to inform you of my decision to withdraw my child, [Child’s Full Name], from school to educate them at home, in accordance with Section 7 of the Education Act 1996."
The school is obligated to remove your child from the roll, and you do not need the school’s permission.
For children in special education schools: If your child has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), you must seek approval from your Local Authority (LA) before withdrawing them.
3. Plan and Document Your Home Education Approach
The law requires that your child receives an education that is “suitable to their age, ability, and aptitude, and to any special educational needs they may have.” There is no need to follow the National Curriculum, but you should prepare a plan:
Set goals and create a timetable: Decide what subjects and skills you’ll cover, keeping it flexible to suit your child’s needs.
Consider resources: Use books, online platforms, tutors, museums, and local homeschool groups.
Social opportunities: Engage in activities with other home-educated children or groups to maintain socialization.
4. Inform the Local Authority (Optional)
You are not legally required to notify your Local Authority (LA) about home education unless your child was previously in a school. However:
The school will inform the LA that your child has been removed from the roll.
The LA may contact you to ensure your child is receiving an appropriate education. You can provide them with a written plan or summary of your educational approach.
5. Respond to LA Inquiries
If the Local Authority contacts you, they may:
Ask for evidence of your educational provision, such as:
A description of your child’s learning activities.
Samples of work or educational materials.
Reports or a portfolio (optional).
Visit your home or meet with you (this is not mandatory; you can respond in writing instead).
6. Maintain Regular Educational Activities
As a homeschooling parent, consistency is key. Make sure your child engages in regular learning activities tailored to their age and ability. You may also:
Reassess your methods periodically to ensure progress.
Keep records of activities and achievements, which can be useful for future transitions, such as re-entering school or applying for exams.
7. Plan for Qualifications (if applicable)
If your child will be sitting formal qualifications like GCSEs or A-Levels, you’ll need to organize this independently:
Choose subjects: Select which exams to take and when.
Find an exam centre: Many private schools or colleges offer exam facilities for home-educated children.
Register for exams: Pay the exam fees and register your child early, usually by the autumn of the academic year.
8. Connect with Support Networks
Join local or online home education groups to exchange resources, get advice, and provide social opportunities for your child. These groups often organize:
Meet-ups.
Group classes.
Sports or creative activities.
9. Stay Informed
Keep up to date with any changes to homeschooling regulations by regularly checking official government resources or speaking to other home educators in your area.
10. Keep Open Communication
If circumstances change and you want your child to return to school, you can re-enroll them. The process will involve contacting the school or LA.
Please note: The information below is subject to change and may not be accurate in the future as law change and so does the UK Education system.
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