How to Respond When the Local Authority Contacts You About Home Education

The letter arrives. The local authority wants to know about your “educational provision.” Your stomach drops. Here’s the thing: this is normal, it’s expected, and you have more power than you think.

Why the LA Contacts You

Under Section 436A of the Education Act 1996, local authorities have a duty to identify children not receiving suitable education. When you deregister, the school notifies the LA. The LA then contacts you — usually within 2-6 weeks — to enquire about your educational provision. This is an enquiry, not an inspection.

Your Rights (Current Law — April 2026)

Under current law (before the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 takes effect):

• You do not have to allow a home visit
• You do not have to let them see or speak to your child
• You do not have to provide evidence in any prescribed format
• You can choose to provide a written report instead of a meeting
• If you do meet, it can be at a neutral location (library, café) — not your home

Case law confirms that LAs cannot insist on inspecting parents or children in their home or elsewhere (DfE Departmental Guidance for Local Authorities on Elective Home Education).

The Best Response: A Written Report

Most home education advocates recommend providing a written summary of your educational approach. This gives the LA what they need, protects your privacy, and creates a paper trail.

Your report should include:

• A brief description of your educational approach (e.g. “eclectic,” “Charlotte Mason,” “child-led”)
• The main areas you cover (literacy, numeracy, science, humanities, physical, social)
• 2-3 specific recent examples of learning activities
• A statement that you are confident the education is suitable for your child’s age, ability, and aptitude

You do NOT need to provide: lesson plans, timetables, work samples, test results, or evidence of National Curriculum coverage.

Template: First Response

Dear [LA Officer],
Thank you for your letter regarding [child’s name]. I confirm that [child] is receiving suitable full-time education in accordance with Section 7 of the Education Act 1996.

Our approach is [eclectic/structured/child-led]. Education includes daily reading and writing, practical maths, science through hands-on activities, and regular socialisation through home education groups and community activities.

This term, [child] has been [1-2 specific examples].

I am happy to provide written updates. I do not consent to a home visit at this time.

Yours sincerely, [Name]

What’s Changing Under the New Bill

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 will give LAs more powers, including requesting home visits within 15 days. Refusing may become a factor in School Attendance Order decisions. The practical advice will need to evolve once these provisions take effect (expected late 2026 at earliest).

For the full legal framework and more templates, see our Complete UK Home Education Starter System.

Common Questions About Home Education in the UK

Do I need to follow the National Curriculum?

No. Home educating families in England and Wales are not required to follow the National Curriculum, use timetables, have formal lessons, or work set hours. The legal requirement is to provide an “efficient full-time education suitable to the child’s age, ability and aptitude.” How you achieve that is entirely up to you. Many families use a mix of structured resources, interest-led learning, outdoor education, and real-world experiences.

What about socialisation?

This is the question every home educating parent gets asked. Home educated children socialise through home ed groups (most areas have active local groups that meet weekly), sports clubs, Scouts and Guides, music lessons, co-op classes, community activities, and spending time with people of all ages — not just children born in the same 12-month window. Research consistently shows that home educated children develop strong social skills and are often more confident communicating with adults.

Can I home educate if I work?

Yes, though it requires planning. Many home educating parents work part-time, freelance, or have flexible arrangements. Some families share teaching responsibilities between two parents. Others use structured online programmes during work hours and do more interactive learning in the evenings and weekends. It’s not easy, but it’s done by thousands of UK families every day.

If you’re just starting out or thinking about deregistering, our Home Education Hub has everything you need — from understanding your legal rights to practical guides on timetables that actually work. For a complete starter pack with deregistration letter templates and resource lists, see our free Home Ed Starter Checklist.

Home education is a legal right in the UK. It is not “alternative” education — it is the original form of education. Schools have only been compulsory since 1880. Your right to educate your children at home predates the state school system by centuries.

More answers: see our complete UK Home Education FAQ, covering the 20 questions UK parents ask most about home educating.