What is English law regarding Elective Home Education?
Parents must ensure their 5-16-aged children receive an efficient full-time education suitable to each child's age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs (SEN) - most send children to school, whilst some accept full responsibility and home educate called Elective Home Education (EHE).
What is your role as a parent?
To ensure each of your children are provided with education which takes into account:
- a significant proportion of their life, providing well-organised opportunities for their progress
- individual levels of knowledge, skills and understanding - including fundamental British values
To ensure an informed choice - acknowledging full responsibility of EHE:
- if ever attended school, engage in EHE liaison meetings with relevant school staff
- if never attended school, inform the Local Authority (LA) of your EHE preference
What is the role of Derbyshire County Council (DCC)?
- To establish positive relationships with EHE families, preferably by annual contact, concerning children's educational entitlement and offering advice/support regarding 'suitability':
- Safeguarding - Ensuring each child's development is not likely to suffer significant harm
- Guidance - ensuring signposting and indication to specific information
What are essential questions parents may need to think about when considering EHE?
- Have I acknowledged there is no allocated EHE funding available?
- Do I accept there is no obligation for school places to be kept open?
- Can I provide the legal standard of efficient full-time suitable education?
- Is EHE the best option, taking into account all the educational needs of my child?
- Do I recognise additional subsidy and some services/agency involvement may cease?
- Does my child agree, having discussed all our concerns with appropriate school staff?
- Is this the best time for my child/ren to become EHE, considering transitions/GCSE's?
- Am I only waiting for a preferred school, preventing penalty and/or exclusion?
- Can i provide sustained enthusiasm, funding, patience, space, support, time, well-being and commitment to all elements of learning and individual prospects - providing the best life-opportunities for my child?
** Parents have to provide an education suitable to their child's age, ability, aptitude and SEN **
** Parents should weigh-up all opportunities to ensure the best for each and every child **
** Parents can work in real partnership with EHE families and DCC **
Please do remember:
Parents have a legal duty to ensure their children receive an efficient full-time education suitable to age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs (SEN). The Local Authority (LA) itself has a legal duty to safeguard young people in Derbyshire by means of a reasonable and proportionate approach, making sure each child's development is progressing well.
If you have any further questions about EHE:
Email: CS.EHE@derbyshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01629 533720