​Support, advice and information for Home Educators in the UK.
Covering all areas of the UK and all styles of Home Education
Where to start
Home Education can mean something different to every family.
You could have planned to Home Educate before the children were born, or it could be a decision made when deciding on a school, or as a last resort due to bullying or special needs not being met. Sometimes the school system just isn’t right for you or your child, and sometimes families choose to Home Educate because they like the idea of it. There is no right or wrong reason, it is a legal option, one we can take at any time.
Home Education can sometimes seem daunting.
If you are just starting to think about it, looking for answers, looking for support, or even resource ideas, then please do have a good look around the website.
To chat to parents already Home Educating
Join one of the Home Ed groups on
Or send us and email and we'll let you know the details of our Local Support Volunteer.
Freedom
Home Educators are not expected to follow the curriculum, or to follow a school timetable, and Home Education quite often looks nothing like school. There are so many options available to us, so many things to do and try, so many places to go, books to read, people to meet.
The first thing to do:
Once you have made your decision to Home Educate, legally you need to DEREGISTER/WITHDRAW from school. The school then inform the Local Authority (LA) or Education & Library Board (ELB). (Check the process for deregistration for your part of the UK, or if your child is in a Special School).
Always in writing.
There is no legal duty on Local Authorities to check up on us, no duty to monitor or assess. As Home Educators you are legally responsible for ensuring your child receives a full-time education suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and to any special needs they may have.
So you will find throughout this website that we encourage you to keep correspondence in writing with the LA. This avoids any unnecessary hassle and stress from meeting their sometimes ultra vires demands. Some parents feel the need to meet with the LA; if you wish to, and would like someone else present, please do get in touch and we will help find someone local.
