Home schooling
Sunderland Local Authority (LA) recognises that the education of children is the responsibility of parents and carers in accordance with S7 Education Act 1996.
Elective Home Education' is the term used to describe the educational provision made for children whose parents decide to educate them at home instead of sending them to school. It should not be confused with home tuition provided, by a local authority or education provided by a local authority other than at a school; as the LA does not provide a tutor or any financial support to parents who have chosen to electively home educate their child.
If you are educating your child at home, you need to make sure you are giving them a suitable full time education from the start of the term following their 5th birthday. If your child is of pre-school age, you do not need to do anything - though it would be helpful if you would contact us.
The LA's role is not to prevent parents from undertaking EHE but to work in partnership with parent as it has responsibility for ensuring that all children of compulsory school age and living in the city are receiving an efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs they may have. More information on the LA role can be found within the EHE Procedures and the leaflet for parents listed below.
Home education is a huge commitment and requires dedication, energy and patience. There are many reasons for choosing EHE. However, if your reason is a problem with your child's school, we strongly recommend that you first discuss it with the school and try to work out any difficulties.
If you are electing to home educate:
- To avoid non-attendance issues
- To avoid an exclusion
- Because your child is not expected to achieve satisfactory examination grades at school (GCSE or SATs)
...before you de-register your child from school contact us at ehe@sunderland.gov.uk
It is valuable to talk to someone who has experience of home education before making your final decision. We can offer impartial advice and guidance at any stage of the process, particularly in the early days when decisions need to be made.
We believe that parents should have the opportunity to make well-informed choices about their child's education. For that reason, we provide information and advice about elective home education. We are committed to building, effective positive relationships with parents.
For further guidance on Elective Home Education visit the Government blog on Home schooling or see further information below:
Elective Home Education leaflet for parents and carers
Methods of teaching and learning styles
Guidance on submitting a report to the Local Authority
Elective Home Education Procedures
Guidance for employing a home tutor
Elective home education guidance on www.gov.uk
Help us improve our service
We would like to ask for your help in improving our service, we would be grateful if you could take the time to complete this feedback form after any contact with the team. These forms can be returned to our email address ehe@sunderland.gov.uk or posted to the team at Together for Children, Bunny Hill Primary Care Centre, Hylton Lane, Sunderland, SR5 4BW.
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