Elective home education (EHE)

Parents have a legal responsibility to make sure their child receives a suitable education.

You have the right to educate your child at home, but it is an important decision. We encourage you to consider it carefully before removing your child from school.

If you are considering elective home education and would like to discuss your rights and responsibilities, contact the Elective Home Education (EHE) team:

• Email: ehe@cheshireeast.gov.uk
• Phone: 01270 375255

If you choose elective home education, you become responsible for providing and funding your child's education, including any tutors, learning resources or examination costs.

For further information, see:

• GOV.UK guidance on elective home education
• Cheshire East Council Elective Home Education Policy (PDF, 2MB)
• Elective home education guide
• Frequently asked questions about Elective Home Education (PDF, 350KB) 

Taking your child out of a mainstream school

If your child attends a mainstream school and you decide to educate them at home, you must write to the headteacher and ask for your child’s name to be removed from the school roll.

Include:

• your child's full name
• your child's date of birth
• the last day they will attend school

The school will notify Cheshire East Council. An  EHE advisor from the Attendance and Children Out of School Team will contact you to discuss your plans and offer support.

Schools cannot hold places open for children who move to elective home education, as places may be needed for other pupils.

Support available from Cheshire East 

You will be allocated an  EHE advisor from the Attendance and Children Out of School Team.

Your advisor will:

• offer an initial meeting to discuss your education plan
• explain the support available
• agree how and when future contact will take place

The local authority has a duty to make sure children receiving elective home education are receiving a suitable education.

Where there are concerns that suitable education is not being provided, a School Attendance Order may be considered.

Returning to a mainstream school

If you want your child to return to school, you must apply through the in-year admissions process.

If places are available at your child's previous school, they may be able to return. If no places are available, you will need to apply for another school.

Returning to a specialist school

If you want your child to return to a specialist setting, contact your child’s SEND keyworker.

Contact the Elective Home Education team

Email: EHE@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Phone: 01270 375255