Elective home education (EHE)

Information for parent's who are considering educating their child at home, as well as on-going guidance for existing home educators.

About home education

Colleagues in the service respect parents rights to elect to educate their child at home and aim to support them in making an informed decision.

Some parents take a carefully considered decision to home educate their child before they reach school age. Others may decide on this approach, after careful consideration, later on in the child’s school career. The reasons for deciding on this approach are many, as are the different styles of the education provided by parents.

Educating a child at home is a great responsibility and involves considerable commitment of time, energy and finance. It is not something that should be taken on lightly but we recognise that when parents do this well children can thrive, be successful in their learning, go on to further and higher education and to have fulfilling careers.

“Parents have a right to educate their children at home, and the government wants the many parents who do it well to be supported. They devote time, financial resources and dedication to the education of their children. Most parents who take up the weighty responsibility of home education do a great job, and many children benefit from being educated at home. Educating children at home works well when it is a positive, informed and dedicated choice.” DfE elective home education - departmental guidance for local authorities, April 2019.

We aim to support parents in their choice. We would encourage parents who are considering elective home education as an option for their child to make themselves familiar with the information and guidance provided on this page before finalising any decision.

If your child currently attends school

We would encourage parents to discuss consideration of this option with the school and to contact our service for an informal discussion.

By law parents and carers must make sure that their children receive a suitable education. By law, the local authority is responsible for ensuring education provided at home is suitable.

Elective Home Education (EHE) policy

Parents are advised to read the local authority policy on elective home education

Read our Elective Home Education (EHE) policy.

Department for Education (DfE) guidance

Parents should also familiarise themselves with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance: Elective home education: Departmental guidance for parents – GOV.UK.

Department for Education (DfE) blog

A site for parents, pupils, education professionals and the media. You’ll find information on popular topics, questions and answers, interviews, case studies, and more.

Visit The Education Hub – GOV.UK