How to educate your child at home

Your education responsibilities as a parent or carer

As a parent or carer, you need to ensure your child has a full-time education. They must be educated from the age of 5 until the end of June in the school year they become 16 years old.

Your child's education must:

• be suitable for their age and ability
• meet any special needs they have

You can send your child to school or teach them at home.

If you want to choose home education

If your child already goes to school and you want to teach them at home instead, you need to:

1. Write to the headteacher to let them know you want to home educate your child. The headteacher will accept your request if you’re taking your child out of school completely to educate them at home. If you change your mind later on, a place may not be available at the school your child went to before being educated at home.
2. Send an email to our Access to Education Team with a copy of the letter.

Home education standards

We'll contact you to ensure your child is getting a home education that meets their needs.

Home educating children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

You can choose to educate your child at home if they have SEND.

If your child goes to a special school, you'll need permission to take them out of school.

Find out more about home education

Visit The Home Education Advisory Service and Education Otherwise webpages for more information on educating your child at home.

If you would like support or advice for your child’s health, contact the School Nursing Service at City View, Brighton General Hospital.

For advice and support, contact our Access to Education Team.