Parents have the right to educate their child at home if they have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), whether or not they have an education, health and care (EHC) plan.
If a child with an EHC plan is educated at home, the local authority still has a role in making sure their identified needs are met.
How we work with families
We aim to work with families in a supportive and flexible way to understand what’s best for each child.
We follow national guidance to work with parents and recognise that every child’s needs and circumstances are different.
There is no single ‘right way’ to meet a child’s needs through home education. In some cases, needs linked to the school environment may be managed differently at home.
Children with an EHC plan
If your child has an EHC plan, we will usually review it each year. You can take part in reviews, but you do not have to.
Depending on your child’s circumstances:
- the EHC plan may describe home education instead of naming a school
- we may continue to arrange the special educational provision in the plan
- we may consider whether the plan is still needed
Decisions about EHC plans are made carefully, usually following discussion and an annual review.
If your child attends a special school arranged by the local authority, you must get permission from us before removing them from school.
Young people over compulsory school age
Some young people continue to be educated at home until age 18.
If a young person has an EHC plan, we’ll involve them and, where appropriate, their parents in reviews and decisions.
Children without an EHC plan
You can choose to home educate a child with SEND who does not have an EHC plan. We’ll work with you and consider whether any support would be helpful.
You can request an EHC needs assessment if you think your child may need one. This applies whether your child attends school or is educated at home.
Concern about suitable education
Most families successfully home educate children with SEND.
If it appears that a child’s education is not meeting their needs, we’ll work with you to understand what support may help.
Formal action is only considered as a last resort.