Archived decisions

POLICY STATEMENT AND INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS ELECTIVE HOME EDUCATION

1. The Children's Services Department currently works with approximately 500 children in Hampshire whose parents/carers have made the decision to educate them "otherwise than at school." This is usually referred to as "Elective Home Education". As a result, it was felt appropriate for the County Council to prepare a policy statement for parents and carers on this. The Executive Member for Education has approved such a statement and copies are available in the Members' Rooms.

2. Elective Home Education is where parents or carers decide to provide home-based education for their children instead of sending them to school. Hampshire County Council, as the local authority with general responsibility for education in its area recognises that home education is a key asset of parental choice and is equal in law to education provided in school. Parents and carers have a legal duty under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, to see that their child receives, "efficient full time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs he may have either by regular attendance at school or otherwise".

3. The new policy statement provides parents and carers with helpful information on their duties and responsibilities and of those of the Local Authority. It also attempts to answer frequently asked questions about Elective Home Education and provides a number of contact details where parents and carers can seek further advice, support and guidance. The draft policy statement was widely circulated. Among the stakeholders consulted were senior officers from a range of County Council services, support organisations for Elective Home Education, members of the public and home educating families. Many of the responses received as a result of this initiative have been incorporated into the Policy Statement approved by the Executive Member.

4. The statement provides home educating parents and carers with advice, support and guidance to enhance the quality of provision they are making for their children and prepares their children for successful post-16 further education, training or employment. This supports the Council's Corporate priorities.