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Elective Home Education (EHE) information for practitioners

Find out information about Elective Home Education for practitioners.

Elective Home Education (EHE) refers to a parental decision to provide their children with education outside of a traditional school setting, whether at home or alternative locations, without the children being formally registered on a school’s roll. This differs from home tutoring arranged by a Local Authority or education provided directly through Local Authority services outside of a conventional school environment.

Why might parents opt for Elective Home Education? Families may choose this approach for various reasons, including but not limited to:

  • lifestyle, cultural, philosophical, or religious convictions  
  • medical considerations  
  • experiences of bullying or concerns about safety in school environments  
  • anxiety, school phobia, or refusal to attend traditional schooling  
  • pursuit of specialised talents or activities (e.g., arts, sports)  
  • unavailability of preferred schools or programs  
  • specific educational needs that parents feel are not adequately met within the school system  

This list is not exhaustive; parents may select home education for a wide array of personal reasons.

Parental rights and responsibilities in education

While education is a legal requirement, attendance at school is not mandated; parents hold the responsibility to ensure their child receives suitable education. According to the Education Act 1996, Section 7, parents must ensure their child's education is full-time, efficient, and suitable. Though these criteria are not formally defined by statute, they imply that education should be appropriate for the child's age, ability, and any special educational needs, with the primary aim of preparing the child for life within their community. 

The approach to education is flexible: parents are not required to follow the National Curriculum, adhere to a fixed timetable, or employ specific teaching methods. Many parents utilise tutors, online resources, and community programs, often collaborating with other families to share resources and experiences.

Professional responsibilities

A Local Authority is tasked with identifying and maintaining records of children within its jurisdiction who are being home educated or whom may be home educated, particularly in cases where the suitability of the education being provided has yet to be confirmed or requires review. Often, families choose to inform the Local Authority directly when removing their child from school for elective home education. Conversely, some families may not inform the Local Authority, especially if they move into the area or plan to homeschool throughout their child's education. In such cases, the Local Authority relies on partner agencies to notify them of children receiving Elective Home Education. 

If, during your interactions with a child or their family, you become aware that the child is being home educated, it is helpful to seek parental consent to share this information with the Worcestershire Elective Home Education Team for further engagement.

Safeguarding considerations

While Elective Home Education alone is not typically regarded as a safeguarding concern, it is important to recognise that some children educated at home may have limited access to professionals or support services compared to those attending school. If there are concerns that the education provision is not full-time, suitable, or effective, professionals are encouraged to contact the Hillingdon Elective Home Education Team to discuss these concerns. Further inquiries can be made directly with the family to determine whether the educational arrangement complies with legal requirements.

Professionals should remain vigilant, especially given that they may be the only point of contact with the child or family. Any safeguarding concerns identified should be appropriately reported to Social Care or the Family Front Door for follow-up.

Contact us

Elective Home Education Team: 

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