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Some parents choose to educate their children at home, for a variety of reasons. This Council, as the Local Education Authority (LEA), supports the right of parents to educate at home and has very few rights to intervene.

Parents making this decision should inform the headteacher of the school attended by their child and the school should then inform the LEA. If the child has never attended school, parents are asked to inform the LEA of their decision to educate at home.

The responsibility of the parent is clearly set out in:

Section 7 of the Edcuation Act 1996 (Opens in new window)

The LEA only has a duty to intervene if there is evidence that the education offered is not suitable – further information on this area can be found in the ‘Guidance for Parents’ document below.

Special education needs

For a child with a statement of Special Educational Needs whose statement names a special school, the situation is different and the LEA must be consulted and must give its permission for education at home. The LEA must also take responsibility for ensuring that the Statement is reviewed once a year.

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