Elective Home Education (EHE)

Elective Home Education (EHE) is a term used to describe a choice by parents to provide education for their children at home (or at home or in some other way which they choose), instead of sending them to school full-time.

We recognise that home education is an important aspect of parental choice and is legally equivalent to education provided in schools. Swindon Borough Council, as the local authority, has a duty to ensure that all children receive a suitable education.

Legal framework

Under the Education Act 1996, every child of compulsory school age must receive an efficient, full-time education that is suitable for:

  • their age, ability and aptitude
  • any special educational needs (SEN) they may have

This applies whether the education is provided through school attendance or otherwise.

For more information, refer to the latest government guidelines:

What is a suitable education?

The education you provide must:

  • be appropriate for your child’s age
  • enable your child to make progress according to their level of ability
  • consider any specific aptitudes your child may have

Things to consider before you electively home educate

  • Making an informed choice
    • Making the choice to home educate your child is a big decision and it is important you are not put under pressure to do so. You should have all the relevant information necessary to make the decision.
    • You can speak to your child's school or an EHE officer within the local authority. Email EHE@swindon.gov.uk if you would like to be contacted before you make your final decision.
  • Financial responsibility
    • Parents take full financial responsibility for planning, delivering and funding their child’s education. This includes sourcing an exam centre and covering the costs of public exams.
  • Withdrawing your child from school
    • If your child is currently enrolled in school, you should inform the school of your decision to home educate as soon as possible, ideally in writing.
    • Consent from the school is not required to withdraw your child for the purposes of home education.
    • If both parents have parental responsibility, we would encourage both to sign the written notification to withdraw their child from school.
  • Children with an EHCP
    • If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and attends a school arranged by the local authority, contact your EHCP coordinator. You should obtain consent from the local authority prior to withdrawing your child. Contact your SEND officer for further guidance: SENDService@swindon.gov.uk.

The role of the local authority

When the local authority is notified about a child who is electively home educated, the Elective Home Education Team will:

  • contact you to discuss your education plans
  • offer support and guidance as part of their duty to ensure that suitable education is taking place

Parents are not legally required to agree to a meeting or provide specific evidence of education. However, failure to provide evidence may result in:

  • the local authority supporting you to apply for a school place
  • the initiation of a School Attendance Order (SAO) to ensure your child has access to education

Should you wish to stop electively home educating your child, the local authority will support you with applying for a school place.

Further information

Our elective home education support advisor is available to work with you and support your decision to home educate.

To discuss your decision or arrange a home visit, email: ehe@swindon.gov.uk.

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