Elective home education (EHE)
Parent's or carer's legal responsibility
Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to make sure that their children receive an efficient full-time education from the age of 5, suitable to their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs they may have.
Education is compulsory, but school is not.
Most parents send their children to school, but some parents choose to take on full responsibility and educate at home, which is called elective home education (EHE).
Parents or carers may be thinking of EHE for a variety of reasons. We recommend parents try to resolve any concerns with a school before beginning EHE simply as a response. For support you could contact:
- EHE Advice and Support email ehe@derby.gov.uk.
- SEND Officer email SENDadmin@derby.gov.uk.
- Education Welfare Service email Education.welfare@derby.gov.uk.
- Website - SENDIASS: Get in touchOpens in new tab.
Deciding to educate children at home requires your own resources as well as enthusiasm, commitment and patience. It can be rewarding and challenging and your provision, as parents, needs to meet your legal duty.
Please remember that if you choose to take on the responsibility for your child's education, you will be responsible for the cost of their education. This includes payment for examinations such as GCSEs. You do not have to follow the national curriculum, but you should consider the effect this may have on your child regarding future study and qualifications. Please refer to Department for Education download Elective home education: guidance for parentsOpens in new tab.