How to Write a Home Education Philosophy (and Respond to the Local Authority)

Sooner or later, most home educators get the letter. The local authority would like to know about the education you are providing. It can feel like an inspection, but it usually is not one, and a short, confident written reply is almost always enough. Here is how to write one.

First, what the law actually asks for

Your only legal duty is to provide an education that is efficient, full-time and suitable to your child’s age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs they have. That wording comes from the Education Act 1996. It says nothing about the national curriculum, school hours, timetables or exams. A good philosophy statement simply shows, in plain terms, how what you do meets that standard. Our guide to whether you have to follow the national curriculum unpacks the legal side.

What the local authority can and cannot ask

Most authorities make what is called an informal enquiry, by letter or email, asking you to describe your provision. You can respond in writing, and you do not have to agree to a home visit. What an authority cannot require of you is a particular curriculum, a timetable, lesson plans, details of any tutors, set school hours, or a specific format for your reply. Our guide to responding when the local authority makes contact covers your rights in full.

What to put in a philosophy statement

Aim for one to two pages, warm and specific rather than defensive. A useful shape:

• Your approach. A few lines on how your family educates, whether that is structured, interest-led, a mix, or something else. Our overview of home education approaches and styles can help you name it.
• How it is full-time in substance. Not clock hours, but the sense that learning is a consistent, everyday part of life.
• How it suits your child. This is the heart of it: their age, their strengths and interests, how you stretch them and how you support what they find hard, and any special educational needs.
• Literacy and numeracy. A short, honest picture of how reading, writing and maths are developing.
• A few concrete examples. Real things your child has done and can now do that they could not before. Progress is far more persuasive than plans.

Philosophy now, evidence over time

One nuance worth knowing: a philosophy statement describes your intentions and approach, which is fine for a first informal enquiry. Over time, though, an authority is really looking for evidence that education is actually happening, so it helps to keep a light record of what your child covers and achieves. That is easier if you jot things down as you go. Our guide to home education record keeping shows what is worth keeping, without turning your life into paperwork.

If you are just starting out and this all feels daunting, it gets far less so with a little structure. Our complete guide to starting home education walks through the first steps, letter included.