In England, many parents and carers at least explore the pros and cons of home education instead of more traditional schooling.

My overriding advice here is that if you are even considering this option, you obtain as much current advice, support and guidance as possible. This will ensure that you are fully compliant with contemporary legalities, following set procedures for withdrawing your child or children form schooling, and meeting all set protocols for a replacement, home education instead. This is especially important if your child or children have special educational needs where it is imperative that you consult with your relevant local authority.

In broad outline, all legislative requirements are stipulated in the Education Act 1996 Section 7. Here it states that whilst all children MUST receive a formal education between the school term after their fifth birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year, they turn 16. It also stipulates that all children must receive a full-time education that is “efficient” and “suitable” in equipping them for life within their communities that they belong to. However, there are no absolute definitions of the hours that constitute full time and no exact requirements to embrace the otherwise statutory, National Curriculum. At the same time, it is every likely that the local authority will want to discuss your plans for providing a home education that meets the requirements and may well follow this up with regular analysis. This varies depending on context.

Therefore, if you are even considering home education as an alternative for any reason whatsoever, please do your research but at the same time , please do contact Jo at Athena Tutoring Services as we would be more than able, willing and happy to design and deliver either a partial or complete Home Education package that satisfies all legalities, and is loved and embraced by the local authority, yourselves as parents and carers, ad participating children.