How to write a home education report for your Local Authority
If your Local Authority has asked for an update about your home education, it can feel intimidating at first. The good news is that you do not need to write a perfect document, and you do not need to overshare. A clear, calm written account of your child’s education is usually the most useful place to start.
This guide explains what a home education report can include, what you do not have to provide, and how to write one in a way that feels confident and manageable. If you are just getting started, you may also find our getting started guide helpful.
What is a home education report?
A home education report is a written summary that explains how your child is being educated at home. Families may choose to send one when a Local Authority makes informal enquiries, or simply as a way to keep communication clear and organised.
There is no single official format. You are writing an account of your child’s education in your own words. It can be brief or more detailed, depending on what feels appropriate for your family.
What to include in your report
Think of your report as a snapshot of your child’s learning, progress and day-to-day educational life. You might include:
1. A short introduction
Start with your child’s name, age, and a simple overview of how they are being educated. For example, you could mention whether your approach is structured, flexible, project-based, child-led, or a mix of methods.
2. How your child is learning
Describe the kinds of activities, resources and experiences your child uses. This might include books, online programmes, practical projects, visits, classes, experiments, discussion, reading, writing, maths practice, hobbies or everyday learning.
There is no requirement to follow a school-style timetable or a formal curriculum. Some families use a curriculum or scheme of work, while others prefer a more flexible approach. If you want to explore the different possibilities, our guide to different home education approaches is a useful place to compare them.
3. Progress and development
It can help to explain what your child is gaining from their home education. You might mention growing confidence, reading development, maths understanding, practical skills, independence, curiosity, communication, creativity or subject knowledge.
It is often helpful to be specific. Instead of saying “we do lots of learning”, you could say, “my child has been working through multiplication, writing short stories, and learning about local history through library books and museum visits”.
4. Support and routine
You can describe the support your child receives, such as parental guidance, tutors, clubs, community groups, online classes, or time with other family members. If your routine varies from week to week, that is fine too. Many home educating families adapt around work patterns, SEND needs, energy levels and family life.
5. Any relevant context
If there is anything important that helps explain your child’s education, you may choose to mention it. This could include SEND, health needs, anxiety, transition periods, or a recent change in family circumstances. Share only what feels necessary and appropriate.
What you do not have to share
It is just as important to know what does not need to go into your report. In England, parents are not under any legal obligation to produce specific evidence for the Local Authority. That means you do not have to send photographs, samples or copies of your child’s work.
Many families keep records for their own peace of mind, but those are for your own use. A written account from you is the key piece of information.
You also do not need to frame your report as a request for approval. The Local Authority’s role is not to sign off your home education, but to make informal enquiries where needed to see whether a child appears to be receiving a suitable education.
A simple structure you can use
If you are staring at a blank page, use this straightforward format:
- Who your child is, and a brief introduction to your home education approach.
- What learning looks like in your home, including subjects, activities and resources.
- How your child is progressing, with a few clear examples.
- What support they receive, such as clubs, tutors, classes or community activities.
- Any context that helps explain your family’s situation.
Keeping it simple is often better than trying to cover everything. A concise, honest report is usually easier to read and easier to update later.
Simple home education report template
You can adapt the template below to suit your family:
Child’s name: [Name]
Date of report: [Date]
Home education approach: [Brief description]We are home educating [child’s name] and our approach is [brief description]. Their learning currently includes [examples of subjects, projects, resources or activities].
Over the past few months, [child’s name] has made progress in [examples of progress]. They have particularly enjoyed [interest or project], which has supported their learning in [relevant subject or skill].
We also support their education through [clubs, tutors, classes, library visits, outings, online resources, community groups].
At the moment, our home education is shaped by [any relevant context, if you wish to include it].
We are happy to keep in touch and share a written update about how [child’s name] is learning at home.
Tips for writing with confidence
Keep the tone calm and factual
You do not need to defend your choices. A neutral, clear tone is often the most effective.
Use real examples
Specific examples make your report more useful than broad statements. Mention books, topics, projects, skills or routines where relevant.
Be honest about what is working
If something has changed, say so. Home education often evolves over time, and that is normal.
Focus on education, not perfection
Your report does not need to prove that every day is highly organised. It simply needs to show how your child is being educated.
If the Local Authority asks for more information
You may sometimes receive informal questions after sending a report. You are not required to accept a home visit, and you are not required to respond to every informal enquiry. However, if nothing is provided, the authority may conclude that the education does not appear suitable.
That is why many families find it helpful to reply in writing, clearly and politely, while keeping the focus on the child’s education.
If you want more detail on this area, our Local Authority reports guide explains the process in a practical, family-friendly way.
Need help keeping it all organised?
Writing one report is manageable, but keeping track of updates, notes and responses can take time. Flybrite helps home educating families stay organised, confident and connected, with tools and community support designed for UK home education.
If you would like more guidance, visit our FAQ, explore our blog, or learn more about how Flybrite can support your family on our about page.
Ready to feel more confident about home education paperwork and planning? Join Flybrite today and make home education feel simpler, calmer and more supported.