How to start home educating in England

Starting out — and why month one feels a bit much

The first month is exciting and overwhelming. Suddenly there's no timetable and no curriculum. But the law's simpler than you'd think, and settling is more important than teaching. Plenty of families have done this before you.

The legal right to home educate in England

In England, education is compulsory — but school is not.

Under the Education Act 1996, Section 7, parents of every child of compulsory school age (5–16) must:

ensure he or she receives efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, ability, and aptitude, and any special educational needs they may have — either by regular school attendance or otherwise.

That "or otherwise" is your legal right. You can provide education in your home.

You do not need:

• Permission from your local authority
• Permission from the school (only a de-registration request)
• A teaching qualification
• To follow the National Curriculum
• To sit the same exams as school children
• To keep formal records (though it's wise to keep evidence)

You must:

• Ensure the education is "suitable" — matched to your child's needs
• Provide it "full-time" (no legal definition of hours — the LA judges suitability by evidence of meaningful progress, not by hours)
• Keep simple records from the start (work samples, learning notes) to show this evidence if enquired
• Be prepared to show evidence if your local authority enquires

That's it. The law trusts parents to make this judgment. It's a profound freedom, and it comes with responsibility.

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026: what's changing

In spring 2026, new law introduced "Children Not in School" registers. When you de-register, your LA is automatically aware. Your approach doesn't change.

Your first month: a checklist

The first month isn't about mastering a curriculum or perfect lessons. It's about settling in, watching your child, and going easy.

1. Week 1: Formally request de-registration and sort admin

   • Write to the school requesting de-registration: "I request that [child's name] be removed from the school register, effective immediately."
   • Schools can't refuse. Your removal takes effect from the date they get your letter. You can start straight away.
   • Ask for written confirmation. They'll notify your LA within 10 days.
   • Gather school records: reports, test results, anything showing progress.
   • Start a simple learning folder (even a cardboard box) to collect work samples.

2. Week 2–3: Observe and settle

   • Don't buy a curriculum yet. Watch your child. What do they love? How do they learn best?
   • Keep routines loose. Read, watch videos, visit museums, cook, play. It all counts.
   • Find a local home ed group for support.
   • Ask your child what they'd like to learn.

3. Week 3–4: Sketch a routine and find free resources

   • Decide roughly when learning happens. You don't need strict times, but structure helps.
   • Find free resources: educational videos, learning sites, your library.
   • Jot down what your child learns: a couple of sentences daily is enough for your records.

4. By end of month one: Rough plan for month two

   • Decide on your approach: structured curriculum, child-led, or a mix?
   • If structured, order one or ask your library. If child-led, pick interest-based topics.
   • Budget roughly: nothing to £200/month?
   • Plan any classes or group activities.

Structured teaching versus child-led learning: which suits your family?

The law doesn't mandate a style — "suitable education" works either way. Most families blend both.

No right answer. Your first month of watching helps you choose.

A note on deschooling

If your child's come from school, they might need deschooling — a break to adjust to their own pace (weeks or months).

Step back from formal teaching. Focus on reconnecting, playing, reading, exploring. Kids who seemed to hate learning often become curious again.

Keep simple records even here (photos, notes, books read) — it all shows meaningful learning.

What if my situation is different?

What if my local authority challenges me?

Your LA has no right to inspect without permission. But under Education Act 1996 Section 436A, they can enquire if concerned.

What to do: Share evidence promptly (work samples, what you're teaching, test results). Not replying looks like unsuitable education. You don't have to let them in to your home.

What counts as suitable? Progress in core skills, evidence of teaching, and an engaged child. Simple records from day one (work samples, learning log, photos) show this clearly.

If they believe education isn't suitable, the process escalates (see the edge cases above on School Attendance Orders), but this is rare and follows serious, documented concerns.

Second month and beyond

By month two, you'll know your child's style and your approach. Run your plan, tweak as you go, keep records, and connect with other home educators. It's a long game.

FAQ

Q: What if we want to go back to school later?

A: Your child can re-enrol anytime. Contact the school and ask about spaces.

Q: How do I know if I'm doing it right?

A: Watch your child — are they curious, learning, and progressing in reading, maths, and thinking? Just as importantly, look at their mood, outlook, and happiness: a child who's calmer, more confident, and more engaged than they were is a strong sign you're doing it right. For many families that's the real reason they started, and the clearest measure that it's working. There's no single way to home educate.