Elective home education (EHE)

Educating your child at home is a big decision. Parents have a legal responsibility to make sure their child receives a suitable education.

Most parents choose school, but school is not compulsory – you have the right to educate your child at home. If you decide to do this, you must notify the school as soon as possible.

You will not receive any financial help to home educate.

For full details of the regulations and things to consider, GOV.UK - elective home education.

De-registering a child from a mainstream school

Before de-registering, you must write to the Head teacher stating that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education and asking for their name to be removed from the register.

Include:

• your child’s name and date of birth
• the last day they will attend school

The school will inform us, and an  EHE advisor from the Attendance and Children Out of School team will contact you to arrange a home visit to discuss your education plan.

The school cannot hold a place open as other children may be waiting.

De-registering a child from a specialist setting

If your child attends a special school, email ehe@cheshireeast.gov.uk rather than the school.

The Local Authority will meet with relevant parties to decide if EHE is agreed. You will be notified of the decision. While this is being considered, your child should continue to attend school.

Support Cheshire East provides

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

The advisor will:

• offer an initial visit to review your education plan
• agree how often to visit (usually more often at the start)

Cheshire East is responsible for checking that you are providing a suitable education.

If we are concerned that education is not suitable, a School Attendance Order may be considered.

More guidance is available on the elective home education guide for parents.

Returning to a mainstream school

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

If their previous school has places, they should be able to return. If not, you will need to apply to other schools.

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

Named contact: Sally Ashworth, Team Manager for Attendance and Children Out of School Team.