Education in the UK
The law says children must receive an efficient full-time education from 5 to 16 years. This needs to be suitable for their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs they may have. Most parents send their children to school. However, some parents choose to take on full responsibility and educate at home, which is called Elective Home Education (EHE).
Important Considerations
Parents may be considering EHE for a variety of reasons. The EHE team would always suggest that families keep in mind whether they can provide an education to meet a child's specific needs. The EHE team would also recommend families try to resolve issues with a specific school before making a final decision as it may be difficult to return to a school place of choice. When parents choose to take on the responsibility for their child's education, they also become accountable for all costs. This includes GCSE examination. Educating children at home requires enthusiasm, commitment, and patience. This can be both rewarding and challenging.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
If a child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the EHE contact will also incorporate a statutory review of this arrangement in accordance with the national SEND Code of Practice. If a child currently attends a 'special school', parents will also need to contact the SEND Service to request consent to remove them from such specialist provision.
Advice and support
The EHE team can offer 'Pre-EHE' impartial guidance and may be able to direct parents to other services. The team always aims to offer positive partnerships with families through yearly contact from an EHE Advisor for each area of Derbyshire. The EHE team accept parental contact via telephone, video-conferencing (e.g. Teams or Zoom), as well as home visits. When a parent wishes to forward a written report, the EHE team will provide a template to celebrate a child's progress in learning via email. Other written formats are welcomed, if preferred.
Further Information
For more information about Elective Home Education, please visit:
Derbyshire County Council - Elective Home Education
Department for Education (DfE) - Elective Home Education guidance for parents
Contact
Email: cs.ehe@derbyshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01629 533720