The 1996 Education Act makes it clear
that parents must ensure that their children are educated during
their statutory school years. This may be in a state or private
school or at home.
Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, it is a
parent’s duty:
"to cause (the child) to receive efficient full-time
education suitable to his (or her) age, ability and aptitude and to
any special educational needs he (or she) may have either by
regular attendance at school or otherwise."
It is up to parents to show the Local Authority (LA) that the
programme of work is helping each child to develop according to
their age, ability and aptitude and any special educational needs
theyhave are being met.
Most children receive their full-time education in state or
private schools but a small number of parents prefer to educate
their children at home. In these cases, it is the duty of
the LA in which the child lives to monitor the effectiveness
of the education received at home. Home educators undertake a
considerable commitment and need to consider all of the
implications (time, energy, cost, some isolation, problems with
examinations etc) and discuss them with their child. The decision
and the responsibility to educate at home rests with parents.
The home LA has a statutory duty to ensure that children who are
educated at home are educated according to the law and that parents
undertake the task appropriately as described above. The LA will
need evidence that the provision is appropriate. If the LA thinks
that you are merely encouraging absence from school and not
providing home education, the LA may consider bringing a
prosecution for truancy. If your child is registered at a school
he/she must attend regularly and punctually.
The length of time when children are being taught at home is not
specified but full-time education in school means that children
spend between 23 and 25 hours on work each week, plus homework.
Children attending state schools attend for 38 weeks a year.
Download Frequently Asked Questions
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Click on the links below for more information on educating your
child at home
DCSF: Parents and Home education
Directgov: Educating your child at
home