Local Authorities (LAs) will make informal enquiries of parents who are educating their children at home, so that they can establish that a suitable education is being provided.

An Education Adviser will make contact with you once you have had a few weeks in which to make your arrangements to begin home education. The Adviser will look at the provision that you are making and offer advice, guidance and support in ensuring that the provision is suitable to your child’s age and ability.

Generally, the meeting takes place in the family home with the child present. Most parents do not have any objections to a home visit as this assists with placing the provision in full context. If for any reason you would prefer not to meet at home, you have the right to ask for an appointment at the Learning Trust offices. A few parents choose to provide their information by sending a report rather than meeting the Adviser. This is acceptable but it should be borne in mind that it may be difficult to present a full picture of your arrangements.

If, after an assessment has been conducted the educational arrangements are not satisfactory, then parents will be given a set of action points and a timetable which will assist in achieving the necessary improvements. In the case of provision remaining unsatisfactory, the matter is referred to the Education Attendance Service in order to allocate a school place for the child.

If the educational provision is satisfactory, the Adviser will aim to visit the family every 6 months to offer continuous support and advice if needed.