Below, you can download the Beginning Home Education Starter Pack as a PDF, or the Beginning Home Education Editable Bundle which is the same documents in an editable Microsoft Word version.
If your child is currently enrolled in a primary school in England and you are considering home education, it is important to understand both the legal process and your responsibilities as a parent.
This clear, practical guide outlines the steps you need to take and what to expect.
Note: This article applies to England only. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland operate under different legislation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please refer to the latest guidance on gov.uk/home-education or seek independent advice where needed.
1. Inform the School in Writing
If your child is registered at a school, you must notify the school in writing that you are withdrawing them for the purpose of elective home education. The school must remove your child from the register once they receive written notification, provided this is a full withdrawal.
You do not need permission from the school. The legal basis for this process sits within the Education Act 1996.
Important exceptions:
- If your child is subject to a School Attendance Order (SAO), you must obtain permission from your local authority before deregistering.
- If your child attends a special school named in an EHCP, local authority consent is required before removal from roll.
In most standard situations, however, written notification to the school is sufficient.
If you’d find it helpful, I’ve created a simple deregistration letter template you can download at the beginning of this article.
2. Understand Your Legal Responsibility
Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents are legally responsible for ensuring their child receives:
“an efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs they may have.”
Key points:
- You do not have to follow the National Curriculum.
- You do not need to replicate school hours or structure.
- “Full-time” is not defined by hours. It means education that is consistent and takes up a significant part of your child’s life.
- There is no requirement to employ tutors or hold teaching qualifications.
Government guidance on Elective Home Education can be found via gov.uk/home-education.
There’s also a printable step-by-step checklist available below to help you feel confident you haven’t missed anything.
3. Consider Special Educational Needs (SEN)
If your child has Special Educational Needs:
- If they attend a mainstream school, you may deregister without permission.
- If they attend a special school named in their EHC plan, you must obtain local authority consent first.
If you choose to home educate a child with an EHCP, the local authority must still review the plan annually, but you take on responsibility for delivering the provision yourself unless alternative arrangements are agreed.
4. What Happens With the Local Authority?
Home education in England is not a registered system.
Once your child is removed from school roll, the school will inform the local authority (LA).
The LA may make informal enquiries to establish whether your child is receiving a suitable education. This often involves a written request for information.
It is helpful to:
- Keep examples of work
- Maintain a simple overview of your approach
- Be able to explain your educational philosophy or structure
Parents are not legally required to accept home visits, although many choose to engage constructively.
If the LA is not satisfied that suitable education is being provided, they may begin a process that could lead to a School Attendance Order. This is uncommon where families are providing clear evidence of education.
To make this easier, I’ve included a simple record-keeping template you can use if your local authority ever asks for an overview of your provision.
5. Plan Your Educational Approach
Before or shortly after deregistration, consider:
- Your educational philosophy (structured, child-led, blended, project-based, etc.)
- How you will cover literacy and numeracy
- Resources and materials
- Social opportunities
- Budget considerations
- Use of tutors, online courses, or learning groups
If you are considering flexi-schooling (part-time school attendance combined with home education), this requires the school’s agreement. Schools are legally entitled to refuse.
You’ll also find a flexible home education overview plan template below, which many parents find helpful when organising their approach for the year ahead.
6. Think Ahead About Exams
Home-educated children can sit GCSEs and other qualifications, but:
- You must register them as a private candidate.
- Exam centres charge entry fees.
- Coursework-based subjects can be harder to arrange privately.
Planning should begin at least 12–18 months before exam sitting.
Some families also explore Functional Skills qualifications, online schools, or further education colleges at post-16.
7. Safeguarding and Welfare
Local authorities have safeguarding duties for all children in their area, whether schooled or home educated.
In the vast majority of cases, elective home education proceeds without issue. However, where there are genuine concerns about education or welfare, the local authority has legal powers to investigate.
Providing a suitable education and maintaining your child’s well-being remain your primary responsibilities.
8. Returning to School (If Circumstances Change)
If you later decide to return your child to school:
- You must apply through the local authority’s in-year admissions process.
- A place at the previous school is not guaranteed.
- Availability depends on capacity.
It is sensible to keep records of learning in case evidence is requested.
Quick Checklist Summary
|
Step |
Action |
|
1 |
Notify the school in writing of full withdrawal. |
|
2 |
Understand your legal duty under Section 7. |
|
3 |
Check whether LA permission is needed (SAO or special school). |
|
4 |
Prepare to respond to informal LA enquiries. |
|
5 |
Plan your educational approach and resources. |
|
6 |
Consider long-term exam and qualification planning. |
|
7 |
Keep simple records and examples of work. |
Additional Considerations
Off-rolling
If a school pressures you to withdraw your child to improve attendance or performance statistics, this may be considered off-rolling and is discouraged. You can seek advice from your local authority or consult guidance on gov.uk/home-education.
Support Networks
Many families benefit from joining local home education groups for social activities, shared learning, and peer support.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to home educate is a significant decision. It carries legal responsibility, but it also offers flexibility, autonomy and the opportunity to tailor education to your child’s individual needs.
With informed preparation and thoughtful planning, home education in England can be both legally straightforward and educationally rewarding.
Related reading
If you are considering deregistering your child from school and starting home education in England, it can be helpful to step back and look at the wider picture of how homeschooling works in practice and how families build their approach over time.
You can find a full overview of homeschooling here:
The Complete Guide to Homeschooling
