When you choose to educate your child at home, you are responsible for the cost of their education.
Local authorities do not receive funding to provide ongoing educational support for home‑educating families. The support we offer is limited and based on resources available.
Information we provide
We provide clear and accurate written information about elective home education, explaining parents’ rights and responsibilities and how we work with families.
We also share contact details for organisations and services that could help.
The national curriculum
Children educated at home do not have to follow the national curriculum. Some families choose to use it in full or in part, while others take a different approach.
Information about national curriculum tests and assessments is available from the Standards and Testing Agency.
Careers advice and guidance
The National Careers Service provides free, confidential advice for young people aged 13 and over and for adults. It can help you explore education, training and work options.
Support for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families
We recognise and respect the cultures and lifestyles of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Families who home educate are supported in the same way as all others.
If you move to Portsmouth, you can contact us for advice about local education options. Find further guidance on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils: improving educational outcomes – GOV.UK.
Organisations and services
Some national organisations offer advice and peer support, for example:
- Education Otherwise
- Education Advisory Service
- Home Education UK
- Advisory Centre for Education (ACE)
Other useful services include:
- Portsmouth Parent Voice
- Dynamite Portsmouth
- Portsmouth Local Offer
- Department for Education
- Safe4Me (online safety resources provided by Hampshire police)
Learning materials and publications
There is a wide range of learning materials available. You can choose what works best for your child.
Examples include:
- Department for Education EHE guidance
- Collins Education
- Heinemann Educational
- Hodder Education Group
- Hope Education
- Parsons Education Ltd
- Coordination Group Publishers
- Oak National Academy
These examples are for information only.