Homeschooling Legal Steps: A Practical Guide for UK Parents
If you’re thinking about taking education into your own hands, the first thing you need to know is the law. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there’s no licence required, but you do have to follow a simple notification process and keep basic records. Ignoring these steps can lead to unwanted visits from the local authority, so let’s break it down into clear, doable actions.
1. Notify Your Local Authority
Within 30 days of pulling your child out of school, you must write to the local authority (LA) that was responsible for their previous school. The letter should include:
- Your name and address
- Your child’s full name, date of birth and current school
- Confirmation that you intend to educate your child at home
Send this by post or email – whichever the LA prefers. You’ll get a written response confirming they’ve received your notice. Keep this copy; it’s your proof of compliance.
2. Set Up a Simple Record‑Keeping System
UK law doesn’t dictate a specific curriculum, but it does expect you to provide “suitable education.” The easiest way to show this is by keeping a basic portfolio:
- A weekly timetable that shows subjects covered and the amount of time spent
- Samples of work – worksheets, essays, project photos
- Assessment notes – informal quizzes, progress comments, any external exam results
You don’t need a fancy binder; a simple folder or a shared Google Drive works. The key is that the LA can look at it and see a clear pattern of learning.
3. Expect a Check‑Visit (Or Not)
After you’ve notified the LA, they may decide to arrange a “home‑schooling check.” This is usually a brief visit to discuss your plans and look at your records. It’s not an inspection; it’s more about making sure your child’s welfare and education are on track.
If the LA is satisfied, they’ll close the case and you won’t hear from them again. If they raise concerns, they’ll give you a chance to improve. Most parents never have a formal visit – just staying organized and responsive is enough.
4. Keep Up with Any Changes
Things change – you might move house, add another child, or decide to join a homeschooling group. Whenever there’s a significant change, inform the LA again. A quick email saying, “We’ve moved to a new address, here’s the updated contact info,” keeps everything transparent.
5. Know Your Rights and Support
Homeschooling families can access a range of resources: local homeschooling groups, online curricula, and even public library programs. If you ever feel the LA is over‑stepping, you have the right to appeal to the school adjudicator. Most disputes are resolved with a simple chat, so stay polite and have your records ready.
To sum up, the legal steps are straightforward: notify, record, and stay communicative. By following this checklist, you can focus on what really matters – creating a learning environment that fits your child’s needs.
Ready to start? Grab a notebook, draft that notification letter, and schedule a few minutes each week to log what you teach. You’ll be well on your way to a smooth, lawful homeschooling journey.
