Choosing to educate your child at home is a significant decision and requires time, planning and commitment.
Families choose home education for many reasons. If you are considering home education because of concerns or difficulties at school, we encourage you to speak with the school first to explore whether these can be resolved.
If your child is registered at a state or independent school, it is helpful to tell the headteacher in writing that you are choosing to home educate. The school will then notify Devon County Council.
If your child attends a special school, you must have agreement from the Local Authority before your child can be removed from the school roll. You can contact the SEND Operations team at EHCP@devon.gov.uk.
Once you have notified the school, it is helpful to complete the elective home education parent registration form so that we can record your child’s home education arrangements and provide appropriate advice.
Alternatively, you can contact us at educate.educationelectivehomeeducation-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.
Guidance from the government for families intending to home educate can be found at GOV.UK: Elective home education.
What support is available?
New home educators will receive a letter from Devon County Council confirming their decision to home educate and signposting to support and resources.
We will contact families at least once a year to ask for an update on their home education arrangements and to offer advice if needed.
Home visits
We may offer a home visit to discuss your child’s education and learn more about the provision you are making.
Home visits are voluntary, and you do not have to invite us into your home. If you prefer, you can share information about your child’s education in other ways, such as examples of work or a meeting at another location.
If you change your mind
If you have started to home educate and would like your child to return to school, you can contact the School Admissions Team on 01392 383000. You can also take a look at our school admissions guidance.
You may need to apply for an in-year place.
If your child has an education, health and care plan, please work with the SEND Operations Team to identify a suitable school place.
What to do if you’re still unsure whether home education is right for your child
Choosing to educate your child at home is a significant decision and requires time, planning and commitment.
Families choose home education for many reasons. If you are considering home education because of concerns or difficulties at school, we encourage you to speak with your school first to explore whether these can be resolved.
Tell us if your details change
Please use the online change of circumstances form to tell us about any changes, such as a new address, email address or phone number. This helps us keep your child’s record up to date.
Keeping your contact details up to date helps make sure we can contact you about your child’s home education and reduces the risk of your child being recorded as a child missing education.