Regulations On The Home Schooling Of Your Child

There are a number of reasons as to why a parent (or parents) might want to educate their child at home under their own supervision but in order to do so they must follow the laws laid down by the government in conjunction with the Department of Education and Local Education Authorities (LEA).

It is not simply a case of deciding to educate your child at home and beginning to do so; you must also ensure that all relevant parties are informed of your intention to do so and that you are able to fulfil your child's educational needs to a standard required by law.

What You Should Know about Home Schooling

As a parent considering the idea of home schooling there are some things you should know before you set out to do so.

• You do not have to be qualified as a teacher to home school your child
• The number of hours spent tutoring your child at home is not pre-determined
• Whilst home schooling your child you do not have to conform to the National Curriculum
• Your child is not required to undertake examinations if they are home schooled

The aforementioned considerations are those which many parents pay most attention to when it comes to home schooling however there are some other considerations that must be looked at which involve the legalities of educating your child and also what you must do in relation to the Education Act of 1996.

The Education Act 1996

It is important to consider this government act of 1996 which states that all children should receive an education relevant to their age and their aptitude. It also says that as a parent you are responsible for ensuring this happens as well as making sure that any child in your care who has special educational requirements are catered for.

Before you embark on a course of home schooling for your child (or children) you should have their educational requirements measured. By this, we mean establish whether or not your child (or children) has any special needs and that they are met - especially if you are resolute when it comes to their home schooling.

Your Local Education Authority

It is polite to inform your Local Education Authority (LEA) if you intend to home school your child. This is not intended as a means of dissuading you from educating privately but is simply designed to help the Local Education Authority (LEA) help you with any issues of home schooling that you may encounter.

You are required - if you have taken your child out of state schooling - to inform your child's Head teacher in writing so that he or she may remove your child from the school's register and also pass this information to the Local Education Authority (LEA).

This also allows for the arranging of a visit by the Education Welfare Service (EWS) who will want to see how and where you plan to educate your child if it is not within the confines of a school and also what you propose to teach your child. This however does not conclude that the Education Welfare Service (EWS) is happy with your arrangements and they are obliged to make you aware of their decision in written form and may also ask that you make certain other provisions for your child's education if they deem home schooling not to be in the child's (or children's) best interests.

If you are considering having your child educated at home it is best to consult with your Local Education Authority before making any firm decisions and similarly if they are already being educated within a school environment it is wise to speak with their Head teacher and class teachers before deciding on any firm course of action.