As a parent/carer you have the legal right to choose to educate your children other than by attendance at school, usually by providing education at home. More information is given in the booklet and a questionnaire is also available to assist the local authority in making assessments about education which is being offered but the following information is a brief summary.

Section 7 of the 1996 Education Act states that:

'The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him/her to receive full time education suitable -

1. to his/her age, ability and aptitude, and;
2. to any special educational needs he/she may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise."

The phrase ''or otherwise'' allows education outside of formal schooling, providing that the parent / carer can meet the child's needs, as stated above.

Home educated children must receive full time education from the start date of what would be the school term following their 5th birthday, if they were in school. Compulsory education continues until the last Friday in June, of Year 11, ie any child, who is aged 16 between September and 31st August, is of compulsory school age until the last Friday of June in that year.

It would be helpful if you would notify the Local Authority on 0121 569 8147 of your decision to home educate or if you are interested in receiving more information. Please state your child's full name, date of birth, date when it is proposed that home education will commence and where applicable, the name of the last school attended.

If your child is in school you must formally de-register by writing to the headteacher and say that you intend to teach your child at home. Your child will then be removed from the roll and the headteacher will inform the local education authority.

Failure to notify the school in writing of your intentions to educate at home could result in prosecution for failing to ensure their attendance.

If your child has never been to school, you do not have to take any action prior to starting home education but it would be appreciated if you would inform the LA to ensure that your child's record is updated and to prevent a place being allocated for him or her in a school.

If your child has a statement of Special Educational Needs and attends a special school, you need permission from the LA to de-register. Pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs can be educated at home providing the LA judge the arrangements to be appropriate for the child's age, ability and aptitude.