Work experience

Work experience may take place during the last two years of compulsory education. For electively home-educated children, parents are responsible for arranging placements and ensuring they are safe, suitable and unpaid. 

Parents should check that appropriate insurance, health and safety arrangements, and risk assessments are in place. The employer should also be told that the placement is not arranged by a school. 

Work experience should support the child’s education and must not replace the home education programme.

Child employment

Electively home-educated children are subject to the same child employment laws as other children. 

If a child of compulsory school age takes paid work, they must have a valid work permit. This includes part-time work in a family business or with a self-employed parent. 

The employer is responsible for applying for the permit. Employment without a permit is illegal and may affect insurance cover. Employers, and in some circumstances parents, may be prosecuted. 

These rules apply from age 13 until the last Friday in June of the school year in which the child turns 16. 

For more information, read Devon’s child employment guidance or government guidance at GOV.UK: Child employment.