Home Education
In Wales parents have the primary responsibility for ensuring that their children receive a suitable education. Although this responsibility is usually delegated to schools, some parents choose to exercise it directly by providing education based in the home; this is referred to as ‘Home Education’.
Ceredigion recognises the right of parents to educate their child at home and will work in partnership with parents to ensure their child receives a broad, balanced and efficient education suitable to their needs. The Local Authority needs to be satisfied that every child in their area is receiving suitable education (as stated in Section 437 of the Education Act 1996). This duty applies in relation to children of compulsory school age who are not on a school roll and who are not receiving a suitable education otherwise than being in school (e.g. at home, privately or in alternative provision). In order for us to exercise these duties the Local Authority kindly request that you inform us of your intention to home educate.
The right to home-educate is not a fundamental one. It is conditional on parents providing their child with an ‘efficient’ and ‘suitable’ education. Parents may educate their children at home providing they fulfil the requirements of section 7 of the Education Act 1996.
The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable –
- to his age, ability and aptitude, and
- to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
Children who are home-educated are not required to follow any specified curriculum or meet criteria for the number of learning hours. Home education approaches can be varied from a formal, structured, schedule-based and mostly within the home environment, through to autonomous or child-led education or unschooling. The approach used can be tailored to the child’s needs, interests and learning styles.
If you are considering home education but wish to discuss further please contact the Education Inclusion Service on 01545 570881 or you can email us at ehe@ceredigion.gov.uk.