Official Home Education Guidelines
Navigating the official guidelines for home education can be a challenge. To help, we have created accessible, web-based versions of the key departmental guidance for England and Northern Ireland. These documents outline the legal frameworks, roles, and responsibilities for both parents and local authorities.
England
Guidance from the Department for Education for families and local authorities in England.
Guidance for Parents
This is the essential starting point for parents and guardians in England. It covers your legal duties, how to de-register from school, and what a “suitable” education means.
Read the Parent’s Guide
Guidance for Local Authorities
Understanding how LAs are expected to operate is vital. This document details their statutory duties, how they make inquiries, and their safeguarding responsibilities.
Read the LA Guide
Northern Ireland
Guidelines from the Department of Education for families and the Education Authority in Northern Ireland.
Guidelines for Elective Home Education
This single document covers the registration process, parental rights and responsibilities, and the legal framework for home education in Northern Ireland.
Read the NI Guidelines