Educating your child at home

Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, applies within England and Wales and states: 

"The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him (or her) to receive efficient full time education suitable to his or her age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs he (or she) may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. "

This means that you have the right to teach your child at home instead of sending them to school. This is called elective home education, home education or home schooling.

If you choose to teach your child at home, you will take on full responsibility for giving them a suitable full-time education.

Department for Education (DfE) has guidance on Elective Home Education.