EHE is when parents have chosen to take full responsibility for their child’s education. EHE is not when a tutor from a school, or a tutor provided by the local authority, visits the child’s home to provide some of their education. 

The Law states that the responsibility for a child’s education lies with the parents. There is a legal right for parents to educate their child at home, which is fully respected by the local authority. Parents must make this important decision for themselves and not be influenced by educational professionals or any other professionals supporting the family.

If you are considering EHE then it is important that you are aware that it is your right to do so, however in making this decision you become fully responsible for your child’s education.

The local authority has a statutory duty to ensure that all children who are known to them as being electively home educated receive a suitable education.

Download the local authority's policy for Elective Home Education (.pdf Size: 568Kb) . Download guidance issued by the Department for Education for families who have elected to home educate (.pdf Size: 688Kb) .

Download the Department for Education guidance for parents (.pdf Size: 458Kb) .

The decision to electively home educate your child is a big step and a life changing decision which requires extraordinary levels of commitment from parents and children. Whilst Home Educating is very challenging it can also be very rewarding for you and your child.

The Elective Home Education team will offer impartial advice and guidance at any stage of the process, particularly in the early days when decisions need to be made.

View our frequently asked questions about EHE

Last updated : 22 January 2025

Can the school hold the place open for my child while we see whether electively home educating is right for us?

The school can not hold the place open. In many schools they will have another child wanting to be admitted into that school place.

If you are considering making a decision to electively home educate, the EHE team can offer you an opportunity to talk it through before you make your decision.

Can electively home educated pupils re-enter a school?

Parents of electively home educated pupils can make an application re-enter school at any time by completing an In Year Transfer Form. View information about completing an in year transfer on our in year admissions page.

Please be aware that re-admission into a school can be problematic for a number of reasons.

The child will have missed large sections of course work, friendship groups will have altered, and it is possible that there might not be a place for them in your preferred choice of school. 

Can electively home educated pupils do work experience?

Electively home educated pupils can do work experience, but parents take on the full responsibility to ensure that their children will be safe. View information and advice from the Elective Home Education team.

Can pupils with an Education Health Care Plan be electively home educated?

Electively home educated pupils with an Education Health Care Plan are legally allowed to Home Educate, the same as other pupils. They will still have an annual review of their education, just as they did when they were in school.

If the pupil is on roll at a special school the parents will have to ensure that they are able to meet the plan’s outcomes to the satisfaction of the Special Needs team before the pupil can be de-registered. View information on how to contact the Elective Home Education team and the Special Needs team for further advice.

Are electively home educated pupils entitled to any financial support for private tutoring?

Some parents choose to employ a private tutor.

Parents of electively home educated pupils must take full responsibility for their child’s education; no finance is available to support home learners.

You will also need to undertake responsibility for safeguarding checks for anyone you employ to work with your child.

Can the local authority recommend tutors for families to use?

We are not able to make personal recommendations for tutors. View information from the Elective Home Education team to support you and signpost you to the appropriate websites and local groups.

Last updated: 01/02/2023 09:06

Last updated : 18 October 2024

14 - 16 year olds EHE provision at South Staffordshire College

The college is offering taster sessions of its 14 - 16 EHE offer during February half term at each of its 4 sites. It is free to attend but you would need to book in advance to secure your place.

The college has sites at Rodbaston, Cannock, Tamworth and Lichfield.

Last updated: 01/02/2023 09:08

Last updated : 28 August 2024