Scotland - 5
3.3 Withdrawing the child from school - the process
Procedures for considering a parent's request to withdraw a child from school should be fair, clear, consistent and without delay. Local authorities should remember that home education is a key aspect of parental choice, and that consent to withdraw a child from school should not be unreasonably withheld. On the other hand, sufficient time must be allowed for local authorities to take an informed decision on an important matter which will have an effect on the child's future learning.
The following checklists are suggested as good practice:
For parents
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* Establish whether consent is needed.
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* If consent is needed, write to the local authority to request their consent:
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as early as possible and, where reasonably practical, well in advance of the date you wish to withdraw your child from school
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include initial proposals as to how you intend to provide an efficient and suitable education for your child
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you are not required to indicate the reasons for your decision, but may choose to do so."