Home education

This is set out in Section 7 of The Education Act 1996 (opens new window) which states:

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
• to any special educational needs he may have either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

There is no guidance about what a suitable education might be but it should prepare your child for life in a modern society and allow them to reach his or her full potential. It should offer: 

• a broad and balanced curriculum
• English, mathematics and information and communications technology (ICT)
• opportunities for physical, social, spiritual and cultural development

The phrase "full time" can be interpreted differently, since your child's education at home is often on an individual basis. A suggestion of a minimum of three hours per day has been offered.

You should consider the need for your child to have formal qualifications for any future role in life.

Where parents/carers have chosen home education, the Local Authority (LA) is unable:

• to direct teaching or tutoring
• to provide books or other teaching materials
• to provide funding for taking GCSEs or other examinations
• to provide funding for correspondence or college courses

Read the Parent's guide to elective home education (PDF, 193 KB)(opens new window) for more information or visit The Department of Education website (opens new window).

We only have a duty to intervene if there is evidence that the education offered is not suitable.

In order to make a decision on this basis, an Education Welfare Officer will make a request to visit you on an annual basis, if possible, to view the education being offered.

Following the visit, a report will be written, stating whether the provision is suitable.

For a child with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) where a Special School is named the situation is different, and the local authority must be consulted and give permission for education at home.

The local authority also takes responsibility for ensuring that the Education, Health and Care Plan is reviewed annually.

Several groups of home-educators exist in Wiltshire.

• Education Otherwise (opens new window)
• Home Education Advisory Service (opens new window) will provide a list of home educators in your area if you subscribe to their site.