Education Otherwise

Role of the local authority

The local authority needs to be satisfied that every child in their area is receiving suitable education (as stated in Section 437 of the Education Act 1996).

When parents, carers and legal guardians decide to educate their child otherwise than at school, the local authority will seek proof that the education being provided is suitable.

The borough's Mobility Officer will contact the parent and arrange for a plan of the education otherwise provision to be submitted. An Inspector from the local authority will look at the plan and then contact parents to help confirm the quality of the education provision. The Inspector can be a source of advice and guidance.

Parents should make themselves available to meet Inspectors at a suitable venue which can include the home, or agree some other suitable means of communication, so that the Inspectors can talk with both child and parent and view the child's completed work.

If the Education provision is deemed to be suitable and efficient then the Inspector will arrange review meetings every 3 months.

If the education being provided fails to attain a level that the Inspector deems to be efficient and suitable, the borough's Mobility Officer may refer the matter to the Admissions Service for allocation of a school place for the child in question.

If the allocated school place is not taken up then the local authority may issue a School Attendance Order. This Order will name a school that the child must attend. Failing to adhere to that Order may result in the local authority taking further legal proceedings.