What is elective home education (EHE)?
EHE is the official name for when parents choose to teach their children at home. It can also mean finding a different way to teach your child outside a regular school. EHE lets you design a learning plan that fits your child's personal needs.
Choosing to educate your child at home is a significant step. It takes a large amount of your time, energy, and money.
When you tell the school about your choice, your child will be taken off the school register. This means they will lose their current school place. You will be fully responsible for your child's learning. You will have to pay for all books, learning tools, tutors, and exam fees.
If you later want your child to return to school, you must apply for a place following the usual admissions rules.
To help you make up your mind, you can read:
- Elective home education policy
- Advice on elective home education from the Department for Education (DfE). The DfE is the government body in charge of schools in England.
Good points and drawbacks
Home education can be a good option for many families. However, you should consider the challenges.
The main drawback is that we do not provide any funding or learning tools. You will get no financial help for:
- Exam entry fees
- Books, workbooks, or website subscriptions
- Private tutors
You must pay for and organise everything yourself.
This rule also applies if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is a legal document that outlines the extra support your child needs for learning. When your child leaves school, their EHCP may need to be reviewed and amended.
Services like therapy may be provided in a clinic rather than at home. Talk to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at your child’s school if they have an EHCP. Do this before making your final choice.
Making your decision
When you decide to educate your child at home, you should write a letter to tell their school. For further information see the guidance from the DfE.
You can also book a short 10-minute chat with our EHE officer before you make your choice. To book a chat, email ehe@harrow.gov.uk.
What happens next?
Once you tell the school, our EHE team will get in touch with you by letter or email. We will ask you for basic details about your home learning plans. We will also offer guidance and advice if you need help.
After 6 months, and then once every year, we will check in with you again. We will ask how your child is doing, what they are learning, and what goals they have met. We will do this for as long as you educate your child at home.
What the law says
Parents must make sure their child gets a full-time education that fits their age, ability, and any special needs. (Section 7 of the Education Act 1996).
Every child in the United Kingdom must receive an education, but they don’t have to attend a physical school. Your teaching does not have to look like a normal school day. It should match your child's age and skills. Also, it needs to support their feelings and social growth.
If your child has special educational needs, you must follow the guidance in their EHCP. If you have questions about this, email us at ehe@harrow.gov.uk.
You can email the SEND team at Harrow.Sendias@family-action.org.uk.
Helpful learning resources
Free and low-cost learning resources
- Homeschooling Resources
- The TwoPound Tuition Hub
- Continuity Oak
- Oak National Academy
- Corbett Maths
- EdPlace
- The Khan Academy
- Tute
Online schooling (paid)
Anxiety/mental health resources
Exams
If your child wants to take GCSE exams, you can contact these exam boards to book tests:
- AQA - Call the exams team on 0844 209 6614
- Edexcel - Call the customer support team on 0845 618 0440.