On Wednesday 20 October, the Department for Education published advice for parents considering Elective Home Education (EHE). The advice makes clear the distinction between home-schooling, during the period where schools were closed due to the pandemic and EHE which is where parents choose not to send their child to school full-time on a long-term basis. The advice also highlights the implications of withdrawing children and young people from school and the challenge involved in providing EHE.
The advice highlights:
- Since September 2020, the usual rules on school attendance apply: it is the parents’ duty to ensure their child, of compulsory school age, attends their registered school regularly.
- EHE requires parents to take full responsibility for their child’s education, including all associated costs (such as exam fees).
- Schools are not required to provide any support to parents that have withdrawn their child for EHE.
- Support provided by Local Authorities (LA) is discretionary, including support for a child’s special educational needs.
Dame Christine Lenehan, Director of the Council for Disabled Children, said:
“CDC believes that all children have a right to education and all children should be able to access this at school. However for some children home education, either elective or supported by the LA as the most appropriate setting, can be a useful tool to remove the barriers experienced in schools. It is important that parents are aware of the responsibilities involved in Elective Home Education (EHE) and fully explore these alongside the other choices available to educate their child. We welcome this advice and hope it supports parents to make the best decision for their children.”
This advice is designed to be shared with parents, schools, social workers and local authorities (LAs), where the option of EHE is raised.
You can find the advice here: https://dfemedia.blog.gov.uk/2020/10/20/all-you-need-to-know-about-home-schooling-and-elective-home-education-ehe/