This page is a plain-English overview for families. It’s not legal advice, and rules can differ across the UK (England / Wales / Scotland / Northern Ireland).
There are some intricacies in home education law in the UK, so this page is only intended to be a general overview. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please let us know.
If you’re unsure about your specific situation, consider getting independent advice.
Quick summary (England): Parents have a legal duty to ensure their child receives an efficient, full-time education suitable to age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs, either by attending school or otherwise. Local authorities can make enquiries if it appears a child may not be receiving a suitable education, and can use formal steps (including a School Attendance Order) if concerns aren’t resolved.
The legal starting point in England
In England, the core legal duty sits with the parent. The law says a parent must cause their child of compulsory school age to receive an efficient and full-time education that is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs.
What does “suitable” mean?
In practice, “suitable” is about whether the education is appropriate for your child and prepares them for life. It does not automatically mean following the national curriculum or matching school.
Do I have to follow a timetable?
“Full-time” doesn’t have a single fixed hourly definition in law for home education. What matters is whether the education is efficient and suitable for your child.
UK note: Home education is legal across the UK, but the administrative approach and guidance can differ. This page is most specific for England. If you’re in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, check your nation’s guidance and your local authority’s information.
Get Strew Home Education App
If you’re looking for a way to to keep a record of your child’s learning, you can download the Strew Home Education App for free:
Local authority role: what they can (and can’t) do
Local authorities have duties around identifying children who might be missing education and safeguarding. If it appears a child may not be receiving a suitable education, the local authority can make enquiries and ask for information.
They can ask
- For information that helps them understand whether a suitable education is being provided.
- How education is organised (broad approach, resources, activities, opportunities).
- For examples of work or learning (this can include projects, photos, notes, reading lists, trips, etc.).
- To meet or speak (often proposed as helpful, but how you respond may vary by circumstances).
They generally can’t require
- A specific curriculum or “school at home”.
- Specific hours that match school timetables.
- Grades, tests, or a set format of evidence (unless a specific legal route applies).
- Ongoing monitoring without a reason to believe education may be unsuitable.
(Local practice varies. If you feel pressure, it’s worth checking the exact wording of requests and guidance.)
Practical tip: Keep communication calm and factual. You don’t need to “prove” your family’s choices, just show that your child is receiving a suitable education.
If the local authority is not satisfied
If, after enquiries, the local authority believes a suitable education is not being provided, they may follow a formal process that can lead to a School Attendance Order (SAO). In England, SAOs are linked to the Education Act 1996 (including section 437).
Important: Most home educating families never reach this stage. If it does escalate, consider getting independent advice and responding within any stated timeframes.
What helps most in practice
- Specific examples of learning (projects, books, trips, discussions, skills).
- Consistency over time (a timeline or dated notes).
- Clarity about your approach (child-led, project-based, structured, etc.).
- Evidence that fits your family (photos + brief notes are often plenty).
Record keeping: what’s “enough”?
There’s no single mandated format for home education records. But keeping a simple record can be useful for: your own reflection, spotting progress, and responding calmly if questions arise.
Simple evidence ideas
- Short learning log notes (dated).
- Photos with a one-line explanation.
- Reading lists / library visits.
- Projects, models, drawings, writing samples.
- Trips, clubs, volunteering, community learning.
Helpful framing
- What did your child do?
- What were they exploring or practising?
- What skills did they use (or build)?
- What might you do next (optional)?
Want practical examples? Read: Evidence of learning in home education (with examples you can copy).
FAQs
Do I have to inform the local authority that I’m home educating?
It depends on your situation and local processes. For example, if your child is already registered at a school, you may need to follow the correct deregistration steps (and special rules can apply if your child is in a special school or has an EHCP). Local authority expectations can vary, so check your local guidance.
Do I need to follow the national curriculum?
Home education doesn’t automatically mean following the national curriculum. The key legal concept is that education must be efficient, full-time, and suitable for your child.
Can the local authority insist on seeing my child?
Local authorities may request a meeting or ask to speak with your child, often framed as helpful. Requirements can depend on context. If you’re unsure, ask for the legal basis of the request in writing and consider independent advice.
What happens if the local authority believes education is unsuitable?
They can pursue formal steps and may issue a School Attendance Order (SAO) if concerns aren’t resolved. If you reach this stage, getting advice can be wise.
Are the rules changing?
There have been proposals and ongoing policy discussion in this area, including government proposals related to children not in school and home education. Because legislation can change, always check the current status if you’re reading this later.
Get Strew Home Education App
If you’re looking for a way to to keep a record of your child’s learning, you can download the Strew Home Education App for free:
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: what to watch
There has been a government bill with proposals affecting children not in school and home education, including ideas such as registers and new powers in specific circumstances. This area is politically active and can change.
Want a calmer way to keep records?
If you ever need to show a clear overview of your child’s learning, a light-touch record helps. Strew makes it easy to log learning moments, add photos, and keep everything in a timeline, without turning home education into paperwork.
Privacy note: your family’s record is yours. Share only what you choose.