Most parents send their child to school, but you do have the right to educate your child at home, known as elective home education (EHE). As a parent, you must make sure your child receives a full-time education from the age of 5.
The following are some facts about home education:
- you do not need to be a qualified teacher to educate your child at home
- you do not have to follow the National Curriculum or take national tests, but as a parent you are required by law to make sure your child receives full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude
- any special educational needs your child may have must be recognised
- you do not need special permission to educate your child at home, but you do need to notify the school in writing if you're taking your child out of school and it is helpful to inform the local authority as well
- you must notify the local authority if you are removing your child from a special school
- you do not need to observe school hours, days or terms
- you do not need to have a fixed timetable, nor give formal lessons
- there are no funds directly available from central government for parents who decide to educate their children at home
For more information, visit educating your child at home on GOV.UK.
EHE initial report
Once your child has been registered for home education, you will be asked for information about the education you are putting in place at home.
You will need to fill in the initial report form to provide information about your initial plans, approach and resources. Include as much information as possible; we understand that your provision may change over time. There is space for questions and additional comments at the end. You can also upload documents to support your information.
Once this information has been received, it will be reviewed by the EHE officer. If more information or clarification is needed, the officer will contact you directly by email.
If you have any problems filling in the form, or would prefer to submit information in a different format, email elective.homeeducation@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
Submit an initial report for elective home education
EHE annual report
As part of our routine duties, Bracknell Forest Council makes enquiries of all parents who are educating their children at home to make sure that a suitable education continues to be provided.
Use the annual report form to provide a yearly update outlining the education your child has received and the progress they have made since their last review. For most families their last review will be 12 months ago. Include as much information as possible. There is space for questions and additional comments at the end. You can also upload documents to support your information.
Once this information has been received, it will be reviewed by the EHE officer. If more information or clarification is required, the officer will contact you directly by email.
If you have any problems filling in the form, or would prefer to submit information in a different format, email elective.homeeducation@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.