The following frequently asked questions should provide advice for parent/carers choosing to educate their children at home.

Do I need permission to educate at home?

No, but you must write to the head teacher to remove your child from the school roll. If you don't, the school will assume your child is on 'unauthorised absence' and an Education Welfare Officer will follow this up.

Do I have to follow the National Curriculum?

No, but you may find it useful to know what it is. Also it will help your child to have followed the National Curriculum if they return to school in the future. Current National Curriculum core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science.

Do I have to work school hours?

No, but the LEA will need to see that enough time is given to study each week.

Do I have to provide all the education?

No, but it is your responsibility to ensure friends or tutors you organise to teach your child provide suitable education for your child's needs. It's recommended you stay at home when a tutor is teaching your child.

Will the LEA give me any support?

No, but the LEA has a duty to make sure education provided is suitable to the child's needs and will check this is the case.

Can I educate my child at school part time?

No, if you decide to educate at home your child will be removed from the school roll. Schools may occasionally make special arrangements, but this is at the governors' discretion. Some colleges of further education will support education at home by allowing access to courses, but financial responsibility remains with the parents.

What happens if the LEA decides the home education provided is unsatisfactory?

If the LEA has any concerns they will inform you. 

The LEA will advise you of areas that need improvement. 

If the education remains unsatisfactory they may serve a school attendance order. This means your child must re-attend school.

Can I change my mind and get my child back into school?

Yes, you can request a place in a school at any time. The LEA School Admissions Team will be happy to advise you on availability and other questions you may have.

Summary of actions

1. You need to write to your child's school and LEA explaining your intention to withdraw your child from school
2. We will send you a form to complete each year telling us you are providing a suitable education for you child.
3. If arrangements are considered adequate we will send you a form each year to monitor the child's progress and ensure a suitable education is maintained
4. If we consider the education provided unsatisfactory we will tell you and you will receive written confirmation of this
5. Should you fail to provide adequate education for your child you will be served with a School Attendance Order, that means your child will have to return to school.

Further information

Whatever your decision, there are many organisations that can offer you help. We have included links to external websites for your convenience. City of York Council is not responsible for their content or reliability.

Education Now

Non-profit research, writing and publishing company. A co-operative devoted to developing flexible forms of education and educational diversity

Education Otherwise Association Ltd

Self-help group supporting home-based education

Joint Council for General Qualifications

Includes contact information for examining boards

National Extension College

Open learning provider through its correspondence college. Offers GCSE and A Level courses, tutors, handbooks, technical guides and practical guides. Supplies an annual publications catalogue.

Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) Ltd

Independent national education watchdog. Free advice and support to parents. Summaries of Education Acts, Special Educational Needs and Home Education.

The Student Support Centre

Home Education Advisory Service (HEAS)

A registered charity which offers advice and support to families who wish to educate their children at home.
Choice in Education, PO Box 5, Belvedere, DA17 5ZU
Provides a monthly independent publication for UK home educators.

Christian Education Forum (TEACH)
PO Box 770, Highworth, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN6 7TU, tel/fax (01793) 783783
Assists Christian families with the education of their children from 5-16 years