Thinking About Elective Home Education

Elective Home Education is the term used to describe when parents/carers educate their child at home instead of sending them to school. Home educating your child is a decision which should not be taken lightly. It will mean a major commitment of your time, energy and money.

You have a right to educate your child at home providing you fulfil the requirements of Section 7 of the Education Act, 1996 which places a duty on the parents of every child of compulsory school age to receive efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude, and to any additional learning needs that they may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.

If you choose to home educate your child you must be prepared to assume full financial responsibility, including bearing the costs of any public examination. It is especially important that you consider the nature of the education you intend to provide for your child before you begin to educate them at home. For example, you should think about the areas of learning and experience you will provide and whether they will allow your child to reach their potential, now and in the future, including whether your child wishes to sit public examinations such as GCSEs.

Opportunities to mix and relate with other children and adults are also important to a child's personal and social development.

The law requires a child to be educated from the start of the term following their fifth birthday until the last Friday in June in the school year they are 16.

What should I do if I am thinking about electively home educating my child?

A good starting point would be to have a discussion with one of the EHE team. They can be contacted via 01685 725000 or directly by email at:  merthyrhomeed@merthyr.gov.uk It’s a good opportunity to discuss the reasons why you’re thinking of EHEing and to see if there are things that could be resolved in school which might be the reason for your considering home educating.

Having a discussion with someone at the school can also be helpful.

There is no requirement for you to do this but when the decision is so important it makes sense to work the decision through carefully.

If you decide to EHE, you can do this by informing the headteacher of your child's school in writing. The headteacher will then inform the EHE team.

If your child has never attended a school in Merthyr Tydfil (i.e. you’ve moved into the area or your child has been pre-school), you need no permission to EHE but you may choose to inform the LA of your intention.

What is the LAs responsibility?

We need to be satisfied that all children are receiving a suitable education. In order to do this, the officer with responsibility for home education will make contact with you in order to discuss your plans and to offer support and guidance.

What if I change my mind?

If at any time during your child’s education you’d like them to attend school, you can apply online for a school place. If you’d like advice or support you can contact the EHE team who will help you in this process.

Contact

Inclusion Team (EHE)
Civic Centre
Castle Street
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8AN

Telephone: 01685 725000
E-mail: merthyrhomeed@merthyr.gov.uk