Education at Home
A Parent's Choice
The Education (Scotland) Act 1980 states that it is the duty of the parent or guardian of every child of school age to provide efficient education for them suitable to their age, ability and aptitude, either by them attending a public school regularly or 'by other means'.
Education at Home is one such 'other means'. It is conditional upon the parents providing an education suitable to the age, ability and aptitude of their child. It should also take account of any special educational needs that the child may have.
Children have the right to express their opinion and to have that opinion taken into account in any matter or procedure affecting them.
Home education is accorded 'equal validity' in law and as such can provide efficient education suitable to a child's age, ability and aptitude.
What can I expect from the Education Authority?
- My child has never attended a local authority school and I want to educate at home. What do I need to do?
You need no consent from the education authority to begin educating your child at home.
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My child is enrolled in a local authority school but I wish to begin education at home. What do I need to do?
You need to seek consent from the education authority to do so. Consent cannot be unreasonably withheld. Consent is granted on the basis of of initial education proposal made by the parents which shows preparation and proposes an education suitable to a child's age, aptitude and ability. Actual 'efficiency' cannot be judged until education unfolds.
Who Monitors Education at Home?
When a child is being educated at home, the authority will seek to establish an effective relationship with both parents and children to ensure provision of 'efficient education'. They will also provide appropriate support and advice to families.
Monitoring home education is undertaken by the Local Authority. Visits will be made on a regular basis to monitor the education provision.
The education authority will seek information to form a view on 'efficiency' on an annual review basis after consent to withdraw from school is granted.
How do I go about withdrawing a child?
You should initially inform Education & Children's Services of your intentions and request consent. until such consent is granted your child should continue to attend school.
The Authority will acknowledge receipt of this request and send a pro-forma requesting information regarding your proposed provsion. This should be returned within 14 days and a decision will be made as quickly as possible. If accepted, home education can begin immediately with annual contact being made by the authority (until such time as your child reaches statutory school leaving age).
If your proposal is not accepted a further request for information will be made by the Home Education Officer who will visit before reviewing the request again.
What are my parental responsibilities for home education?
Whether using a formal or informal approach to learning, it is the parent's role to become attuned to what their child knows, their current skills and abilities, and what interests them. The parent needs to form a view and set goals for what they want their child to achieve over a period of time to assess and monitor their progress, and make provision for their next steps in learning to facilitate an 'efficient' education.
What is efficient and suitable education?
You may find it helpful to give consideration to aspects of education provision detailed below:
- It is expected that parents and carers will have considered all alternatives before choosing to educate their chlid at home. They will be aware of their child's needs and will be committed to providing an appropriate educational experience.
- The child will be stimulated socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally by their learning experiences
- Children will be involved in a broad spectrum of activities to cater for the wide variety of interests appropriate to the child's stage of development.
- Parents will ensure their child has adequate access to resources and materials such as paper, pens, books, libraries, arts and craft materials, physical activity, ICT and the opportunity to interact with peers and other adults.
- Consistent involvement of parents/carers although not necessarily constantly or actively involved in providing education - private tutors may be employed for example.
If you have any queries about educating children at home please contact:
Service Manager (Support for Young People)
Education & Children's Services
Pullar House
35 Kinnoull Street
Perth
PH1 5GD
Tel: 01738 476367
Email: ecsgeneralenquiries@pkc.gov.uk
