Are you considering homeschooling your child in the UK? It’s important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations. We provide clear guidance on the necessary steps and can help you navigate the homeschooling process with confidence.
Homeschooling Legalities and Requirements in the UK
Increasing numbers of parents in the UK are choosing to teach their children at home. This is because they want their children to learn differently or have a different learning environment. They like that they can change how they teach and what they teach based on what works best for each child. They can help their child learn based on their strengths and focus on the whole child, not just core subjects. In this blog post we discuss homeschooling legalities and requirements in the UK and provide you with helpful resources.
The legal requirements for homeschooling in the UK - understanding your rights and responsibilities as a parent
In the UK, parents can choose to teach their children at home instead of sending them to school. It is the parent’s job to make sure their child learns what they need to know. If your child is currently in school, you have to tell the school that they will be learning at home now. Sometimes people might check on your child’s education, but you don’t have to follow a specific plan or take any tests. The most important thing is making sure your child gets a good education and grows up ready for the future.
If you live in the UK and want to homeschool your child, you need to follow certain rules. This is especially important if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Homeschooling in the UK is called Elective Home Education (EHE). You have to tell your local authority (LA) that you will be teaching your child at home. You don’t need any special degree or training, but the LA may visit your home to see how well your child is learning.
Having an EHCP doesn’t mean you can’t homeschool your child. But the LA needs to make sure that you are giving your child what they need according to the EHCP. This is also true if your child goes to a Special School. If you want to take your child out of school, make sure the LA agrees or you can question their decision.
As stated in the EHE Merton guide, there are no legal requirements for you as parents educating a child at home to do any of the following:
- acquire specific qualifications for the task
- have premises equipped to any particular standard
- aim for the child to acquire any specific qualifications
- teach the National Curriculum
- provide a ‘broad and balanced’ curriculum
- make detailed lesson plans in advance
- give formal lessons
- formally assess progress, or set development objectives
- mark work done by the child
- reproduce school-type peer group socialisation
- match school-based, age-specific standardsmatch school-based, age-specific standards
However, Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 states: “It shall be the duty of the parent of every child of compulsory school age to cause him or her to receive efficient full-time education suitable for his age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise”. “Efficient” is not clearly defined in this act, but an education should equip a child for their life and not limit life choices.
Registering your child for homeschooling - what you need to do and documents required
If you want to teach your child at home in the UK, the first thing you need to do is tell their school that they won’t be going there anymore. You can write a letter to the headteacher with your child’s name, birthday, and saying that they won’t go to school anymore. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of this letter for yourself.
For homeschooling, you don’t have to have any special papers. But it can be helpful to write down how you will teach your child, what subjects you will cover, and what materials you will use. It’s not required, but it can help guide your teaching. Also, keep a folder with all your child’s schoolwork. This can show how they are learning and improving if someone needs proof later on.
How to create a curriculum to homeschool your child - how to tailor it to their needs and interests
Homeschooling lets you make a curriculum just for your child. First, figure out how they learn best: by seeing, hearing, or moving around. Then ask them what they like to learn about and what they are interested in. This will help them stay excited and enjoy learning.
To teach well, use different ways to help your child learn. You can use books, online classes, fun games, and hands-on activities. Be ready to change what you’re teaching if your child gets older or likes different things. Doing real things in the world, like going on trips or helping the community, will also help them understand better. The most important thing is to make learning special for your child and give them a good education that fits their needs.
Choosing a learning environment at home - tips for setting up a productive learning space
To help your child do well in school, make sure their study space is good. Pick a quiet place with good light and not many things around to distract them. Have a table or desk that fits them and comfy chairs to sit on so they can sit up straight and pay attention.
Make your study space feel special by adding stuff like posters, books, and art supplies. Have a schedule for when you study and take breaks to help you stay organised. Let your child help set up their workspace so it feels like theirs and helps them learn better.
Homeschooling special needs children
When you teach a child with special needs at home, it’s important to know what they need and change how you teach them. This might mean using different ways to teach or getting more helpful things to use. You can also talk often with their therapist or specialist to make sure they are reaching their learning goals.
There are lots of websites and groups that can help parents who are homeschooling children with special needs. They can give you good ideas, lessons, and tools made just for special education.
In the UK, parents can choose to teach their children at home if they want. There aren’t many rules, but you should let the local authority know and keep track of how well your child is doing.
On top of that, homeschooling means you can make your lessons for your child. This is good because you can make the lessons about things they like. It’s also good because it’s more flexible and helps kids who need extra help. As long as you plan well and have help, homeschooling can be a great way for parents and kids to learn in the UK.
If you are thinking about homeschooling, make sure to do lots of research and ask other families who do it for help. They can give you good advice.
The most important thing is making sure your child gets a good education for their future, whether they go to school or learn at home.
Bright Heart support
At Bright Heart, we know homeschooling or home education can be scary but also offer your child a tailored education. We are here to help you! You can find more helpful things on our website and visit our helpful blog.
If you have any questions or need more help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We hope you have a great time homeschooling!
FAQs
1. How must I take my child out of school?
If you need to take your child out of school, you should write a letter to the headteacher. The letter should include your child’s name, birthday, and a statement saying they will not be going to school anymore. It is a good idea to keep a copy of this letter for yourself too.
2. Can I send my child back to school?
You can choose to send your child back to school whenever you want. But you need to enrol them in a school like usual. It’s a good idea to talk to their old school and the local authority before making this decision.
3. Can any parent do homeschooling?
Any parent in the UK can choose to homeschool their child. You don’t need special papers or skills. But it’s a big responsibility and you have to be sure it’s the best choice for your child’s learning.
4. Does a parent have to be a teacher or be highly qualified?
Parents don’t need to be teachers or have special qualifications to homeschool in the UK. But they should care a lot about making sure their child learns well. There are lots of places to get help and ideas for teaching, like on the internet or in books. Other families who homeschool and teachers can also give good advice.
5. What about socialisation?
Kids need to make friends and get along with others. Some parents worry about this when they teach their kids at home, but there are many ways for homeschooled kids to meet new people.
Homeschooled kids can join sports teams, and clubs, and do activities with other families who homeschool. This is a good way for them to learn and meet different people of all ages and backgrounds. As long as parents make sure their child has opportunities to socialise, homeschooling can be a great choice. It gives kids a unique education that suits their needs. Have a look at our other blog for online groups.
6. What about sports?
Homeschooled kids have lots of chances to play sports. They can join teams in their neighbourhood, clubs that are private or do gym classes at a nearby school. And being homeschooled means they have more time to do the sports they like and try new ones too. Parents can also plan fun outdoor games for exercise at home.
7. What if my child needs extra help?
Homeschooling lets parents make their child’s education fit their needs. If a child needs more help in some subjects, parents can spend more time and use more tools to teach those subjects. Parents can also get advice from other homeschooling families or hire someone to help teach if they need it.
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