Elective Home Education

What Elective Home Education (EHE) is

The legal definition of Elective Home Education (EHE) in England is grounded in Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, which states:

"The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and (b) to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise." (The Education Act 1996, section 7).

The phrase "or otherwise" is the legal basis for elective home education. It affirms that parents have the right to educate their children at home instead of sending them to school, provided the education is:

• efficient: achieves what it sets out to do
• full-time: there is no legal definition of full-time in-home education, but it should be regular and consistent
• suitable: tailored to the child's age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs

EHE is a parental choice, not something imposed by a school or local authority. However, local authorities have a duty to identify children who are not receiving a suitable education and may make informal enquiries to ensure the child's needs are being met.

Why you might choose to home educate

Many parents are drawn to EHE because it allows them to tailor the curriculum and teaching style to their child's individual needs, interests, and pace of learning. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for children who thrive outside of traditional classroom settings.

EHE is a lawful option. If you choose to educate at home, parents must ensure the education provided is full-time, efficient, and suitable to the child's needs.

The reasons for adopting EHE are both many and diverse. Some families base their decision on their philosophy, spirituality, or religion; others base it on their belief that their child has educational needs.

A few children never register for school. Others register but are subsequently home educated, either indefinitely or temporarily. Our Elective Home Education Officers would be happy to help, counsel, and signpost to support regardless of your situation.

See the pages below for further information on our role and duty, headteacher/school duties, and how to plan for EHE as a parent.