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Elective home education
Elective home education is an option that families from any background may consider to meet the needs of their children. The reasons for deciding on this approach are many as are the styles of education undertaken.
For some families it is a decision based on their philosophical, spiritual or religious outlook, for others it is to meet the specific needs of a child or children. Some children have never been sent to school whilst others come out for a time or permanently. There is a vast opportunity and potential within elective home education
Do's and don'ts
Do
Do not
- Think long and hard about educating your child at home. It is a great responsibility and a considerable commitment of time and energy.
- Plan what you intend to do with your child before making a decision.
- Provide opportunities for your child to be involved in social activities, have contact with and join in with the activities of other children and groups. The impetus which comes from such activities may provide a useful setting and improve your child’s motivation to succeed with his/her learning.
- Keep your options open as your child’s needs may change at different ages and stages in their education. We are able to advise you how to apply for a place at a school if you decide it is in the best interest of your child to return to school.
- Take your child out of school simply because you have a disagreement with the school or a teacher or have been unable to secure a place at your child’s preferred school. In such circumstances seek an opportunity to talk to the head teacher or consult with our elective home education officer.
Advice from independent organisations
You may find it helpful to contact the following independent organisations to gain further, more detailed information about the implications of educating your child at home.
Education Otherwise is a UK-based membership organisation that provides support and information for families whose children are being educated outside school, and for those who wish to uphold the freedom of families to take proper responsibility for the education of their children.
Contact:
Education Otherwise Association
61 Bridge Street, Kington, HR5 3DJ
Tel:0300 1245690
Email: enquiries@educationotherwise.org
Website: https://www.educationotherwise.org
Home Education Advisory Service is a national home education charity based in the United Kingdom. It is dedicated to the provision of advice and practical support for families who wish to educate their children at home in preference to sending them to school. Interest in home education is increasing and HEAS recognises that reliable information should be available for everyone.
Contact:
Home Education Advisory Service,
PO Box 98, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6AN
Tel: 01707 371 854
Website: http://www.heas.org.uk/
Curriculum online gives access to thousands of resources and online activities relevant to Key Stage 1 and 2, special needs and early years.
You may also be interested in looking at GCSE qualifications on the gov.uk.website. This site provides information about qualifications for schools and colleges.
Parents can also find other links on the BBC websites. The addresses are www.bbc.co.uk/learning and www.bbc.co.uk/schools.
There is careers advice for all children and young people aged 13-19 living in England, and its services and responsibilities cover children and young people who are being educated at home.
http://www.aqa.org.uk/
The GCSE exam board with most opportunities for private candidates.
Choosing to educate your child at home
Should you choose to home educate your child you will need to confirm this in writing to the headteacher of your child’s school.
If your child has not started school and or you have moved into Bromley please contact our home education officer.
Further information
The Elective Home Education parents guide booket is intended for print purposes. The document may not be fully accessible to screen reader software or mobile devices.
Frequently asked questions about educating a child at home
What happens after I inform the school I will be educating my child?
You will be contacted by the home education officer who will ensure that you are aware of what you are undertaking; signpost you to areas of support and advise you of Bromley Council’s processes.
Is there any financial support if I choose to home educate?
No. Parents become completely responsible for any costs incurred.
Do I have to deliver the education myself or can someone else help me?
No. Who and how you deliver a suitable education is entirely your choice. This can range from a privately employed tutor to a member of your family or friend.
Can my child return to school?
Yes. You will need to complete an in year application form, clearly indicating that you no longer wish to educate your child and require them to return to school.
In year application form primary schools.
In year application form secondary schools.
Please contact our home education officer for further advice and support.
I am still not sure whether I should home educate my child. Is there someone I can speak to?
Yes. You can contact the home education officer.