No. 31 Elective Home Education (EHE)

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What is Elective Home Education?

Elective Home Education (EHE) is when parents choose to educate their child at home instead of sending them to school.

This is different from home tuition or alternative provision arranged by the Local Authority.

Parents may use private tutors, but this is not a legal requirement.

Learning can take place in various locations and does not need to follow school hours.

The Law

Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents have the right to educate their child at home.

Parents do not need to register with or seek approval from the Local Authority, except if the child attends a special school.

Parents must give written notice to the school so the child can be removed from the school roll.

Permission is only required from one parent. Either parent named on the birth certificate can decide to home educate.

If parents disagree, the matter must be resolved in family court.

Local Authorities’ responsibilities

The LA has no routine duty to monitor home education, but must act if it appears the child is not receiving a suitable education.

The LA cannot enter homes or insist on seeing the child unless safeguarding concerns exist.

All new EHE families are offered an EHE Adviser for advice and support.

Home visits may be offered based on need; parents can refuse.

Contact ranges from 6 weeks for children causing concern to annual checks for children with significant SEND.

Where there are no concerns, contact is usually by phone, email, or parent report.

Safeguarding

Schools must share any safeguarding concerns with the Front Door and the EHE Service before removing the child from roll if the child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.

Schools responsibilities

Before removing a pupil from roll:

  • Speak to the child (age-appropriate) about their feelings and concerns.
  • Complete the EHE Safeguarding Pupil Form and send to the EHE Service.
  • Send a copy of the parent’s letter/email requesting EHE to the EHE Service.
    If safeguarding concerns exist:
  • Complete a Front Door Request for Support Form and send a copy to the EHE Service.
    Offer a School Exit Meeting to discuss responsibilities and ensure EHE is the right decision for the child.

Professional Lead for Elective Home Education
📧 emma.hitchins@devon.gov.uk | 01392 287255

EHE Admin Support
📧 educate.educationelectivehomeeducation-mailbox@devon.gov.uk| 01392 287230 For forms and further guidance: Elective home education – Support for schools and settings