FAQs

Do I have to allow a representative of the Local Authority access to my home or child?

The local authority has no automatic right of access to your home or to your children simply because you are home educating.

Will the Local Authority monitor the education we provide?

It is likely the local authority will want to know what educational provision is being made for your child. Local authorities have no legal duty to monitor and supervise your home education, but they do have a duty to identify children not receiving education.

If you receive a request for more information about how you are home educating, you can legally respond in a number of ways for example by filling in a form or writing a report or by talking to someone from the local authority. See 'Writing an Ed. Phil.' in the main menu for more information on the responses you can make to your Local Authority's enquiries.

Do I have to follow the National Curriculum?

Home educating families are not required to follow the National Curriculum, or any other curriculum or educational system.

Do I have to be a qualified teacher to educate my child at home?

You do not have to have any formal qualifications in order to educate your child at home. As a parent, you have been educating your child from day one.

What do I have to do if I want to withdraw my child from school?

For children who are registered pupils at a state school, in cases where the parents wish to home educate, the law requires the parent to send a written request to the proprietor to remove the child's name from the school roll. Choose 'Deregistration' from the main menu to learn more about withdrawing your child from school.