Teaching your child at home
What you teach must be suitable for your child’s age and ability, including any special educational needs.
You do not have to follow the national curriculum.
You can get advice and find support groups for parents who are teaching their children at home from:
You do not have to teach your child yourself.
Some parents choose to:
- Pay for a tutor for parts of the curriculum
- Teach in small groups with other families
- Use online or blended learning approaches
You can also use the Stay Safe Partnership who deliver age appropriate safety workshops.
You may choose flexibility in how and when learning takes place, provided the education you give is suitable and enables progress.
Parents do not have to demonstrate learning in any particular format but should be able to show that education is taking place.
Children with special educational needs (SEN) or EHCPs
Children with SEN or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can be home educated.
If your child attends a special school, you must have local authority consent before de-registering them.
The local authority team will work alongside SEND colleagues to consider the suitability of elective home education in line with the requirements set out within the Education, Health and Care Plan.
The local authority continues to review the EHCP annually and may ask how your child’s needs are being met.
Part-time schooling
You can ask a school to teach your child part-time. This is known as 'flexi-schooling'.
The headteacher does not have to accept your request.
Working with tutors and adult helpers
If you choose to employ a tutor or involve other adults in your child’s education, you are responsible for ensuring appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place.
This includes satisfying yourself that anyone teaching or supporting your child is suitable to work with children. For example, parents should consider appropriate checks such as references and DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks where relevant.
Online home education resources
Home-educating families can access a range of online services for guidance, practical advice, and support. The following organisations provide information, advice, and resources for planning and delivering home education:
- Home Education Advisory Service (HEAS) – Provides guidance on legal responsibilities, learning approaches, and support networks for home-educating families.
- Education Otherwise – Offers practical advice, resources, and links to local home education groups across the UK.
- Ed Yourself – An online platform with teaching resources, course suggestions, and practical guidance to help families structure learning at home.
These services can help parents plan their child’s education, access support networks, and ensure that learning is suitable, progressive, and meets the child’s needs.