Do I need to tell anyone about my decision to educate my child
at home?
If your child has already started school, you will need to
inform the headteacher in writing of your decision to withdraw your
child from school. Your child’s name will be deleted from the
school roll and the school will then inform the Council of
your decision.
Do I need to be a qualified teacher?
No. You do not need to be a teacher or have any specific
qualifications nor do you have to employ tutors to educate your
child. However, you do have to ensure that your child
receives an education suitable to their age, ability and any
special educational needs they may have. Parents are advised that
any tutors or specialist teachers you employ should be suitably
qualified to educate your child. It is also recommended that
you should request that they have undergone Criminal Records Bureau
checks for their suitability to work with your child. You are
also advised to remain in the home whilst tutoring takes place.
Do I have to follow the national curriculum?
No. However, you may find it useful especially in the early days
to know what it is, how much time is set aside for each subject,
frameworks for levels of achievement etc. Bookshops carry workbooks
on most subjects.
Do you have to follow school hours and timetables?
No. You can select hours and timetables to suit you and your
child. However, most children and their parents prefer and
find it easier having set hours and a basic but flexible timetable
to follow. Initially some children see receiving education at
home as a game in which they can choose what they do and
when. This can be frustrating for parents as it is also new
to them and they are now in a different role.
What sort of education do I need to provide?
There is no set way in which education at home has to be
provided for your child. There is no legal duty to prepare and
follow a detailed scheme of work or structured curriculum. Some
parents choose to adopt a correspondence course or courses at the
local college or further education centres. Any costs
incurred are the responsibility of the parents. You could also look
at joining any Home Edcuation groups there may be in your local
area. You should think about the resources and equipment you are
going to use to educate your child or children. There is a wide
range of learning materials available, bookshops, libraries,
Internet, radio, television, videos, DVD’s, cassettes etc. It
is easy to arrange educational visits to places like museums, art
galleries, parks, theatres, sports centres etc.
It is vital to consider the development of your child’s social
and communication skills to prevent them becoming isolated and
socially awkward. Encouraging them to mix with their peers
and interact by joining activities such as brownies, scouts,
swimming, dance, drama groups etc are very good ways in ensuring
interaction with people on all levels.
Does the council supply financial assistance or materials?
No. The decision to educate your child at home is your
responsibility both in terms of ensuring an appropriate education
and covering all costs incurred by you, books, educational visits,
tutor fees etc. The Council is not required to provide any
guidance nor do they provide materials.
Does my child have to take tests or examinations?
No. There is no requirement for those children educated at
home to sit any tests, examinations etc. In order for any
child to sit national tests they must be registered in a maintained
school and cannot therefore take those tests at home. Currently,
testing in schools takes place in Years 3 and 6 and GCSE’s at
15/16.
If you decide that you would like your child to sit GCSEs or
other examinations you should contact the relevant examination
board. Payment for the examinations and arrangements for your
child to sit the examinations at an examination centre is your
responsibility, the Council cannot offer assistance.
Can my child be educated part-time in school and part-time at
home?
This is a possibility but you need to secure the agreement of
the school. In most cases once the decision is made to educate your
child at home and you confirm this with your child’s school their
name is removed from the school roll. Some colleges may offer
courses to 15/16 year olds, the responsibility for all costs remain
with the parents.