Why Consider Homeschooling?

Personalised Learning:

• One of the primary reasons parents opt for homeschooling is the ability to tailor education to the unique needs and interests of their child. This flexibility allows for a more personalised learning experience, accommodating different learning styles and paces.

Individualised Attention:

• Homeschooling enables parents to provide focused attention to their child, fostering a deep understanding of subjects and addressing specific learning challenges. This one-on-one interaction can significantly enhance the educational experience.

Flexibility in Schedule:

• Homeschooling offers flexibility in terms of scheduling. Parents can design a timetable that suits the family's lifestyle and accommodates any special circumstances, such as travel or health issues.

Parents' Rights Regarding Homeschooling:

In England, parents have the legal right to educate their children at home either full time or part time. However, it is essential to be aware of the legal requirements and responsibilities associated with homeschooling:

Notification:

• Parents are required to inform their child's school in writing if they decide to homeschool. This is typically done by writing a letter to the headteacher, outlining the intention to educate the child at home.

Curriculum and Assessment:

• While there is no specific curriculum that homeschooling parents must follow, they are expected to provide a suitable education for their child. Regular assessments may be requested by the local authority to ensure the child's progress. Evidence gathering from the outset is essential.

Access to Resources:

• Homeschooling parents have the right to access educational resources, including textbooks, online courses, and local community activities. The responsibility lies with the parents to ensure that the education provided is well-rounded and appropriate for the child's age and abilities.

Options for Homeschooling:

Independent Homeschooling:

• Parents can choose to create their own curriculum and teaching materials, allowing for a truly bespoke educational experience. This option provides maximum flexibility but requires careful planning and dedication.

Structured Homeschooling Programs:

• Some parents opt for structured homeschooling programs, which may include using pre-packaged curricula or online learning platforms. These programs provide a more guided approach and can be beneficial for parents who want a clear framework for teaching.

Tutoring Services:

• Hiring a tutor for specific subjects is another option. This allows parents to focus on their strengths while ensuring that their child receives expert instruction in areas where they may lack expertise.

Procedure for Homeschooling:

Notify the School:

• Write a formal letter to the headteacher of the child's school, stating the intention to homeschool. Include relevant details, such as the child's name, date of birth, and the date when homeschooling will commence.

Local Authority Involvement:

• While homeschooling is legal, local authorities have the responsibility to ensure that children receive an appropriate education. Expect occasional visits or assessments to monitor the child's progress.

Keep Records:

• Maintain records of the educational activities and progress of your child. This can include samples of work, records of outings, and details of any assessments undertaken.

Homeschooling in England provides parents with a unique opportunity to take an active role in their child's education. By understanding their rights, considering the reasons for homeschooling, and exploring available options, parents can make an informed decision that aligns with the individual needs and values of their family. Whether choosing an independent approach or following a structured program, homeschooling offers a flexible and rewarding educational journey for both parents and children alike.

Possible letter to your school:

Dear [School Name],

I am writing to inform you that we have made the decision to homeschool our daughter/son, [child's name], on Friday mornings every week indefinitely. We kindly request your understanding and support in accommodating this arrangement, while also adhering to the laws of England and the rules for providing alternative provision in accordance with [child's name] EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan).

The reason behind our decision is our dissatisfaction with the school's provision for [chils's name] needs thus far. Despite the efforts of the school staff, we feel that [child's name] requirements are not being adequately addressed within the current educational framework.

By homeschooling [child's name] on Friday mornings, we believe we can provide her with a more tailored and effective learning experience. This will enable us to create an environment that caters to her specific needs and learning style, ensuring she/he receives the support and attention necessary for her educational development.

We understand the importance of collaboration between parents and the school in supporting a child's education. We are committed to working closely with you to ensure that [child's name] educational progress continues to be monitored and supported, in line with the guidelines set forth in her/his EHCP.

We kindly request that you consider this letter as official notice of [child's name] homeschooling schedule on Friday mornings. We are open to discussing any necessary arrangements or modifications to ensure a smooth transition and to facilitate ongoing communication between us and the school.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. We believe that this decision is in the best interest of [child's name] education and we are confident that it will contribute positively to her/his overall well-being.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship with the school.

Yours sincerely,

Your Obligations

SATs (Standard Assessment Tests):

SATs are generally not compulsory for homeschooled children in England. However, some local authorities may request that homeschooled children participate in SATs or other standardised assessments as part of their monitoring process. It's advisable to check with your local authority to understand their specific requirements.

Procedure for Registering for SATs:

If your local authority requests that your homeschooled child takes SATs, you will typically need to follow these steps:

Contact the Local Authority:

• Inform your local authority of your intention to homeschool and inquire about their specific requirements regarding standardised assessments, including SATs.

Participate in Assessments:

• If required, arrange for your child to participate in the designated SATs or alternative assessments specified by the local authority.

Record Keeping:

• Keep detailed records of your child's educational progress, as these may be requested by the local authority during assessments.

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education):

GCSEs are not compulsory for homeschooled children in England. However, some families may choose to have their homeschooled children take GCSEs to provide formal recognition of their academic achievements. The decision to pursue GCSEs is entirely optional and depends on the educational goals and aspirations of the child and family.

Procedure for Registering for GCSEs:

If you decide to have your homeschooled child take GCSEs, you can follow these general steps:

Choose Exam Boards and Subjects:

• Research and choose the exam boards for the subjects your child will study. Different exam boards may offer variations in content and assessment methods.

• The main exam boards are: 

Please note that the landscape of examination boards can evolve, and new boards may emerge. As of my last update, the main examination boards for GCSEs in England include:

• AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance):

• Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel):

• OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations):-

• WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee):

• CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment):

When considering GCSEs for homeschooled students, it's crucial to check with the respective exam boards for the latest information on syllabuses, exam formats, and any specific requirements. Additionally, if you are homeschooling in England, you should communicate with local education authorities and potential exam centers to ensure compliance with any regional or institutional policies related to homeschooled students taking GCSE exams.

Find Exam Centers:

• Contact local schools or exam centers to inquire about the possibility of your child sitting the GCSE exams. Some schools may allow homeschooled students to take exams on their premises.

Registration Process:

• Work with the chosen exam center to complete the registration process for the GCSE exams. This may involve providing necessary information, paying exam fees, and adhering to registration deadlines.

Prepare for Exams:

• Plan a suitable preparation schedule for your child, ensuring they cover the required syllabus for each subject.

Take Exams:

• Your child will need to attend the designated exam center on the specified exam dates to take the GCSE exams.

It's important to note that policies and procedures may vary between local authorities and exam centers, so it's recommended to consult with the relevant authorities and institutions to ensure compliance with any specific requirements. Keeping open communication with your local authority will help you stay informed about any changes in regulations or assessment expectations for homeschooled children in your area.

Record keeping

Parents often find that the level of questions and content of a child's conversation demonstrates their level of understanding and if they are making progress. Other parents prefer to have a systematic way, through tests or other means of knowing their child is making progress at a pace appropriate to his/her ability.

You may find it useful to look at the National Curriculum Guidelines and our example minimum expectations to give you some idea of what your child is expected to be able to do at different stages or to guide you when planning the next steps in learning. Not every child will be at these levels some will be in advance, some at the level expected, some are working towards the levels. Our home education advisor can also discuss this with you and make suggestions on how to support your child's education.

It is desirable to record what has been learnt in order to make informed decisions about future areas of study and to be able to map progress. However you choose to structure your child's learning and time, it is helpful to keep some records of their progress.

Records can take any form: Reports and diaries; Examples of work (it is helpful if these are dated); Photographs, drawings, recordings and so on; Plans and programmes of work; Evidence of achievements and progress made. Any workbooks or textbooks can be placed alongside. 

A reading record can be very useful, but production of recent texts read by the pupil will suffice, especially if supported in a general discussion on likes and dislikes regarding reading matter. Reading material does not always have to include fiction, as there are many who read illustrated reference/interest books containing much in the way of sophisticated vocabulary.

What happens if it appears suitable education is not being provided?

Under section 437(1) of the Education Act 1996 (on Office of Public Sector Information website), the Local Authority has a duty to intervene if it appears that parents are not providing a suitable education. Surrey County Council is committed to working in partnership with Parents to ensure that all home-educated children are receiving a suitable education that meets the requirements under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996.

What constitutes as a 'suitable' education should be considered on a case-by-case basis according to age, ability, aptitude and any SEN needs a child may have. Therefore, this may lead to variation regarding the reasons why an LA may reach a decision that home education arrangements are either suitable or not suitable.

There may be a variety of reasons why the information/ evidence provided has not been deemed suitable by the local authority. This may include:

• Parents/Carers share none or extremely limited information and/or only share resources which they may have simply copied from online sites.

• The education provision described lacks sufficient detail and it is difficult to ascertain what education is actually being 'received' by the child.

• Parents/Carers choose to only share a report of the work that is being covered by their child, without demonstrating how the provision referred to within the report is being 'received' by the child.

• There is no, or very limited information regarding resources used internally and externally

• There is no, or very limited detail of how the child's progress is being monitored or examples of work to demonstrate relevant progression

• There is no clear academic or time structure and the education provision is not clear as being 'full-time'

The types of information and evidence you may wish to provide might consist of:

• A timetable

• Curriculum plan

• Photographs

• Workbooks

• Progress reports

• Dated work over a period

• Conversations with the child/parent

• Home visits

The local authority needs to be satisfied that appropriate education is taking place and therefore, it will be about building a full picture of the individual circumstances of each child. It is important to note that the above is for guidance and by way of example only and as such is not an exhaustive list. Each case is judged upon its own individual circumstances.

Where there are concerns about the suitability of the home education provision, a home visit will be offered with the aim of helping you overcome the difficulties within a mutually agreed timescale.

If, after an agreed timescale, the situation has not improved you should arrange for your child to return to school. Should you need help to find a school place, the Schools Admissions Team and the Inclusion Service will assist you.

If you decide to return your child to school after trying home education

If you change your mind about home educating your child, you must contact a school to request a place. You can do so at any time, however, it cannot be guaranteed that there will be a place at the school previously attended.

Content of the Report

The report should provide a comprehensive overview of your child's educational progress and achievements. It should include the following information:

a. Introduction: Begin the report with an introduction that includes your child's name, age, and a brief overview of your homeschooling approach.

b. Educational Philosophy: Provide a summary of your educational philosophy and the goals you have set for your child's education. Explain how your homeschooling approach aligns with the National Curriculum.

c. Curriculum: Outline the subjects you are covering in your homeschooling curriculum. Include a description of the resources, textbooks, online courses, or other materials you are using for each subject.

d. Learning Activities: Describe the various learning activities your child engages in, such as reading, writing, experiments, field trips, projects, and any other relevant activities. Emphasize how these activities promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge.

e. Progress and Assessment: Provide an overview of your child's progress in each subject. Include samples of their work, such as written assignments, artwork, science experiments, or photographs of projects. Explain how you assess your child's learning, whether through tests, quizzes, self-assessments, or other methods.

f. Personal and Social Development: Highlight opportunities for your child to develop social skills, interact with peers, and engage in extracurricular activities. Include details of any clubs, groups, or community involvement your child participates in.

g. Support and Resources: Describe any external support or resources you utilize, such as online courses, tutors, educational websites, or homeschooling networks. This demonstrates that you are accessing appropriate support to enhance your child's education.

h. Reflection and Future Plans: Reflect on your child's progress and achievements, highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement. Discuss any adjustments or future plans you have for their education.

Formatting and Presentation

Ensure that the report is well-organized, clear, and easy to read. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to structure the information. Include dates or timeframes to indicate the duration of activities or learning experiences. If possible, include photographs or scanned copies of your child's work to provide visual evidence of their progress.

Submission and Deadlines

Check with your Local Authority for specific guidelines regarding the submission of reports and any deadlines that need to be followed. Some LAs require annual reports, while others may require reports at different intervals. Be sure to adhere to any timelines provided.

Additional Considerations

a. Keep records: Maintain a comprehensive record of your child's work, progress, and achievements throughout the year. This will help you compile the report and serve as documentation of their education.

b. Seek guidance and support: Join homeschooling networks, forums, or local support groups to connect with other homeschooling parents and seek guidance on creating reports for the LA. They can offer insights, share experiences, and provide valuable advice.

c. Stay updated: Stay informed about any updates or changes to the homeschooling guidelines or reporting requirements issued by the DfE or your Local Authority. Regularly check their websites or subscribe to newsletters to ensure compliance.

Creating a report for the Local Authority that demonstrates a suitable education is a crucial aspect of homeschooling in England. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can provide a comprehensive and well-documented report that showcases your child's educational progress, achievements, and overall development. Remember to consult with your Local Authority for any specific requirements and seek support from homeschooling networks to navigate the reporting process successfully.