Home Education in England: What Parents Need to Know Before Deregistering Their Child

By HomiesEd

More families than ever are considering home education as an alternative to traditional schooling. Whether your child is struggling in school, has unmet special educational needs, or you simply feel that home education is a better fit for your family, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities before making the decision.

In England, parents have a legal right to educate their children at home. This is known as Elective Home Education (EHE). However, choosing to home educate involves more than simply withdrawing your child from school. Understanding the process can help you make an informed decision and avoid potential complications later on.

Can I Legally Educate My Child at Home?

Yes. Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives an education that is:

• Suitable to their age

• Suitable to their ability and aptitude

• Appropriate to any special educational needs they may have

The law does not require parents to follow the National Curriculum, use school hours, employ qualified teachers, or replicate a traditional classroom environment. Home education can take many forms, including structured learning, online courses, project-based education, educational visits, and child-led learning.

How Do I Deregister My Child from School?

If your child attends a mainstream state or private school, you will usually need to notify the headteacher in writing that you intend to home educate.

A simple letter or email is normally sufficient. Once the school receives your request, they will remove your child from the school roll.

After deregistration:

• Your child is no longer required to attend school.

• The school is no longer responsible for providing education.

• Responsibility for your child's education transfers entirely to you.

It is often advisable to keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

What Happens After Deregistration?

Once your child has been removed from the school roll, the local authority may contact you to establish that a suitable education is being provided.

Many parents worry that they will face regular inspections or monitoring. In reality, local authorities do not automatically have the right to:

• Enter your home

• Interview your child without your consent

• Require school-style lesson plans

• Demand a particular curriculum

However, they can ask for information that demonstrates your child is receiving an appropriate education.

Examples of evidence parents commonly provide include:

• A written educational report

• Samples of work

• Photographs of educational activities

• Learning plans or educational philosophies

• Records of educational visits and projects

The key requirement is to demonstrate that your child's education is suitable and effective.

Home Education and EHCPs

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), additional considerations apply.

Mainstream School and an EHCP

If your child attends a mainstream school and has an EHCP, you can generally still choose to home educate and deregister them.

The EHCP remains legally in force, and the local authority must continue to review it annually.

However, once you elect to home educate:

• The local authority is usually no longer responsible for arranging the educational provision specified within the EHCP.

• You become responsible for delivering the educational aspects of the plan.

Depending on the circumstances, some therapies and support services may continue, but this varies between local authorities and individual EHCP arrangements.

Special Schools Named in an EHCP

Different rules apply if your child attends a special school named in their EHCP.

In this situation, you cannot simply remove your child from the school roll yourself. You must first obtain permission from the local authority.

This requirement exists because the local authority has a statutory duty to secure the special educational provision detailed within the EHCP and must formally agree to any change in educational arrangements.

Important Considerations Before Choosing Home Education

Home education can be incredibly rewarding, but it is important to consider the practical implications before making a final decision.

Questions to think about include:

• Why do you want to home educate?

• Can your concerns be addressed through the school or EHCP process?

• How will your child access GCSEs and examinations in the future?

• What opportunities will be available for social interaction and extracurricular activities?

• Are you prepared for the financial costs associated with home education?

Taking time to explore all available options can help ensure that home education is the right choice for your child and family.

What If the School Is Not Meeting My Child's Needs?

Many parents consider home education because their child is struggling in school, particularly where special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are involved.

While home education may be the right solution for some families, it is important to understand that deregistering your child can sometimes make it more difficult to challenge inadequate support or seek additional provision from the local authority.

Before deregistering, you may wish to consider alternative routes such as:

• Requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment

• Seeking amendments to an existing EHCP

• Requesting a different school placement

• Exploring alternative provision arrangements

• Using medical absence pathways where appropriate

Obtaining specialist advice before making a decision can help you understand the potential long-term implications.

Home education is a legal and increasingly popular choice for families across England.

It offers flexibility, personalised learning, and the opportunity to tailor education to a child's individual needs and interests.

However, it is also a significant responsibility. Understanding the legal requirements, especially where EHCPs and SEND are involved, is essential before removing your child from school.

If you are considering home education and would like guidance tailored to your family's circumstances, seeking professional advice can help you make an informed decision that supports your child's future success.

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