Elective Home Education (EHE) can be a positive and effective choice when made with the child’s best interests in mind. It works best when parents are committed and responsive to their child’s educational needs.
Legal Responsibilities
Parents and guardians of children aged 5 to 16 are legally required to ensure their child receives an efficient, full-time education. This can be provided either at school or through home education.
While most children attend school, some families choose to educate their children at home for a variety of reasons. As the local authority, we have a statutory duty to ensure, as far as possible, that every child in Wigan is receiving a suitable education. To support this, we will usually contact you annually to understand the education being provided.
What Is Expected from Parents
If you choose to educate your child at home, you must provide an education that is:
- Efficient and full-time
- Suitable to the child’s age, aptitude, ability, and any special educational needs
There is no requirement to follow the National Curriculum. However, the education should aim to meet a reasonable standard and prepare your child to become a confident, independent adult who can participate fully in society—both within the UK and beyond.
Please note that parents are responsible for all costs associated with home education, including any public examinations.
Withdrawing Your Child from School
If your child is currently enrolled in a school, you must notify the school in writing of your decision to educate them at home. Please include the date of their last attendance.
If your child has been offered a school place but has not yet started, you should write to the school to decline the offer, stating your intention to home educate.
Support and Guidance to Educate at Home
If Home Education Isn’t Working
If you find that home education is not the right fit for your child, you can apply for a place at a school. Admission will depend on availability and the usual application process.
If you feel pressured to home educate—perhaps due to concerns about exclusion, behaviour, or learning difficulties—please contact our team for advice and support, please contact our team on 01942 487139 or via email at [email protected]
Please note: this is a voicemail service for the Attendance Service. Your message will be passed on to the appropriate service or team member.