Support and resources
When parents choose to electively home educate their children they assume financial responsibility for their children's education.
We do not receive funding to support home educating families, and the level and type of support we offer will be based upon our limited resources.
We do provide written information (which is also available through the internet) on elective home education that is clear and accurate and which sets out the legal position (see guidance above). In addition to this we provide contact details for elective home education organisations and colleges.
The National Curriculum
Although home educated children are not required to follow the National Curriculum a number do. National Curriculum tests and assessment arrangements are developed and administered by the Standards & Testing Agency (STA) on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Information to support these arrangements can be found at Standards & Testing Agency - GOV.UK.
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service is a free carers service for adults and young people age 13 and over in England. Advice and guidance can be accessed via the telephone and online. They provide confidential advice and guidance to help you and your child make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Children
We have an understanding of and are sensitive to, the distinct ethos and needs of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. These families who are electively home educating are treated in the same way as any other families. Home education should not necessarily be regarded as less appropriate than in other communities. When a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller family with children of school age move into our area, they are strongly encouraged to contact us for advice and help to access local educational settings.
Further guidance can be obtained from the Department of Education.
Organisations
There are organisations supporting parents who educate at home and website details of a range of these are included below. These offer a variety of advice and support to parents educating at home.
We cannot recommend a particular organisation, it would be for the parents to ensure the organisation best suits the needs of the education provision. This list is not exhaustive, but is meant for guidance only:
- Education Otherwise
- Education Advisory Service
- Home Education UK
- Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) Ltd
Other useful Websites:
Hampshire Police offer a free electronically accessible resource library called Safe4me as part of their ongoing commitment to working partnership with education and professionals to keep children and young people safe. Developed in partnership with education experts, Safe4me consists of pre-prepared, age-specific lesson plans and activities which focus on a range of topics specific to risk, law and consequences; the intended outcome of using Safe4me is to better inform and equip children and young people to make positive and safe choices.
Publications & Materials
There are a wide range of companies supplying both publications and materials to parents who decide to electively home educate. We have included a small sample for guidance only: