How to write a home education report for your Local Authority
If your Local Authority has asked for an update, it can feel daunting at first. The good news is that a clear, calm home education report does not need to be long, formal or full of evidence. In England, a parent’s written account is the key thing that matters. You do not have to provide photographs, samples of work or copies of books, and you are not required to send everything the authority asks for.
This guide will help you write a confident report that explains your child’s home education in a way that is easy to understand. If you are just getting started, you may also find our getting started guide helpful, especially if you are still deciding what kind of approach will suit your family.
What is a home education report?
A home education report is a written summary from a parent or carer about how a child is being educated at home. Some families choose to send one proactively, while others write one after an informal enquiry from the Local Authority. There is no standard national format, so the aim is simply to give a clear picture of the education you are providing.
Think of it as a snapshot. You are explaining your child’s learning, progress and day-to-day experience in a way that reflects your family, not trying to produce a school-style document.
What should you include in your report?
A strong report usually covers a few practical areas. You can keep it brief, or expand each section if you want to give more detail.
1. Your child’s current learning
Start with what your child is learning at the moment. This might include reading, writing, maths, science, history, art, music, outdoor learning, life skills or projects. If your child learns in a child-led or unschooling way, describe the interests and activities that are shaping their learning.
2. How your approach works
Explain the approach you use, for example structured, eclectic, child-led or a mix of methods. If you are not sure how to describe your style, our education approaches guide can help you find the words that fit your family.
3. Progress and next steps
You do not need to prove progress with formal assessments unless you choose to. Instead, describe what your child can do now, what they are working on, and what you plan to focus on next. This could be reading fluency, confidence with multiplication, writing paragraphs, or developing independence.
4. Resources and activities
Briefly mention the resources you use, such as books, online platforms, educational visits, clubs, practical tasks, games or projects. Keep this general. There is no legal obligation to produce specific evidence, and you do not need to send your family’s private records.
5. Social and wider learning
If relevant, you can mention community activities, sports, volunteering, library sessions, meet-ups or group learning. Social development is often part of a rounded home education, and our finding community guide has ideas for families looking to widen their network.
What you do not need to include
It can be just as helpful to know what to leave out. You do not need to send:
- photographs of your child’s work
- copies of exercise books or worksheets
- a full curriculum plan if you do not use one
- private family details that are not relevant
You may choose to share more if you want to, but it should be your decision. A short, honest written account is usually enough to explain the education you are providing.
A simple home education report template
Here is a straightforward template you can adapt:
Child’s name: [Name]
Date: [Date]
Learning approach: [Structured, child-led, eclectic, unschooling, etc.]Current learning: [Brief summary of what your child is learning now]
Progress: [What your child is gaining in knowledge, skills or confidence]
Resources and activities: [Books, online resources, outings, clubs, projects, daily life learning]
Next steps: [What you plan to focus on next]
Additional notes: [Anything else you want to share]
You can make this as short or detailed as you like. For many families, half a page to one page is enough.
How to make your report stronger
A good report is clear, specific and calm. These tips can help:
- Use plain English rather than formal jargon
- Focus on learning, not perfection
- Show how your child’s education is broad and balanced in a way that suits them
- Be honest about challenges as well as strengths
- Keep the tone friendly and factual
If you are worried about wording, imagine you are explaining your child’s education to a supportive relative who knows nothing about home education. That is often the right level of detail.
What if the Local Authority asks for more?
Local Authorities can make informal enquiries if they want to understand whether a child appears to be receiving a suitable education. You are not required to accept a home visit, and you are not required to respond to every request. That said, if you provide nothing at all, the authority may conclude that the education does not appear suitable.
If you want to understand more about how these conversations often work, our LA reports guide explains the process in a parent-friendly way.
Example of a short report
We are home educating our daughter using a mix of structured resources and child-led learning. She is currently working on reading comprehension, multiplication facts and creative writing, and she enjoys science experiments, art projects and nature study. She attends a weekly home education group and takes part in swimming lessons, which supports both social development and physical activity. Over the past term we have seen growing confidence in reading aloud and more independence in organising her learning. Next, we plan to continue strengthening writing skills and exploring local history through visits and projects.
This kind of report is simple, clear and informative without being overcomplicated.
Final thoughts
Writing a home education report for your Local Authority does not need to feel intimidating. Keep it honest, concise and focused on your child’s learning, and remember that you are not required to send photographs or samples of work. The aim is to give a clear written account, in your own words, of the education your child is receiving.
If you would like more support, practical guidance and a welcoming community of UK home educating families, Flybrite is here to help. Explore our blog, visit the FAQ, or take a look at Flybrite pricing to see how our app can support your home education journey every step of the way.