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Home education - FAQs
Frequently asked questions by parents / carers who are considering educating their child(ren) at home.
At what age is it compulsory for children to have to receive full time education?
Do I need anyone's permission to educate my child from home?
What if my child has special needs?
Can I educate my child part-time at home and part-time at school?
Can I change my mind about home education?
Do I have to teach the National Currlculum ?
Will I have to arrange for SATS testing?
Can my child still take GCSEs?
Will my child still be entitled to careers advice?
At what age is it compulsory for children to have to receive full time education?
Home educated children must receive full time education from the start date of what would be the school term following their 5th birthday, if they were in school. Compulsory education continues until the last Friday in June, of Year 11, ie any child, who is aged 16 between September and 31st August, is of compulsory school age until the last Friday of June in that year.
Do I need anyone's permission to educate my child from home?
Any parent / carer who expresses the wish to educate their child at home must inform the Director of Education and Libraries of their intention by writing to:
Director of Education and Libraries
(For the attention of the Special Needs and Pupil Support Section)
New Council Offices
Earl Street
Coventry
CV1 5RS
Please state your child's full name, date of birth, date when it is proposed that home education will commence and where applicable, the name of the last school attended.
If your child is in school you must formally de-register by writing to the headteacher and say that you intend to teach your child at home. Your child will then be removed from the roll and the headteacher will inform the local education authority.
Failure to notify the school and Local Education Authority (LEA) in writing of your intentions to educate at home could result in prosecution for failing to ensure their attendance.
If your child has never been to school, you do not have to take any action prior to starting home education but the LEA should be informed of your decision so that the home education arrangements can be monitored.
Please note that all parties with parental responsibility should be consulted and, where possible, agree to the education at home provision.
What if my child has special needs?
If your child has a statement of Special Educational Needs and attends a special school, you need permission from the LEA to de-register. Pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs can be educated at home providing the LEA judge the arrangements to be appropriate for the child's age, ability and aptitude.
Can I educate my child part-time at home and part-time at school?
Not normally. Occasionally a school may make special arrangements with parents / carers but this is at the discretion of the headteacher and governors and the responsibility for the coverage and assessment of the National Curriculum will be theirs.
Can I change my mind about home education?
If at any time you wish your child to return to school full time then you can seek a place in a school and let the LEA know. Parents / carers need to be aware that the normal admissions procedures will apply and will be subject to a place being available in the appropriate year group at any particular school.
Do I have to teach the National Currlculum?
The National Curriculum only applies to state schools. It is up to you and your child what, how and when you study providing it is appropriate for their age , ability and aptitude.
Will I have to arrange for SATS testing?
No. It is only state schools that are required to carry out SATS tests. The LEA will not test your child.
Can my child still take GCSEs?
It is possible for young people to take exams as external candidates at various exam centres. As the parent / carer you will need to find a registered centre to take the exams. It would be advisable for you to also contact individual examination boards to discuss the arrangements for private candidates. You will have to pay for any exam registration fees and assessment of coursework, by an accredited person.
Universities do not necessarily expect GCSEs, A level grades are more important. Once a pupil is 16 years of age they can enrol in a wide range of adult courses including A / AS level exams.
Will my child still be entitled to careers advice ?
Yes, careers advice is now offered through the Connexions service for all 13 – 19 year olds. If your child is over 13 years old, you can contact the local Connexions office who will explain how they can help.
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