Getting Started with Home Education

A step-by-step guide to beginning your home education journey in the UK.

Step 1: Research & Reflect

Before you start home educating, take time to research and reflect on what home education means for your family.

Questions to Consider

  • Why do you want to home educate?
  • What are your educational goals for your child?
  • What approach to learning appeals to you?
  • How will you balance home education with other responsibilities?
  • What support do you have available?

There's no right or wrong answer to these questions-they're just starting points for reflection. Many families find their approach evolves over time, and that's perfectly normal.

Step 2: Understand the Legal Requirements

In the UK, home education is legal, but there are some important things to know:

If Your Child Has Never Been to School

You don't need to inform anyone to start home educating. However, it's good practice to inform your Local Authority (or Education Authority in Northern Ireland) so they know your child is being educated at home.

If Your Child Is Currently at School

You need to inform the school (in writing) that you're withdrawing your child to home educate. The school will then inform your Local Authority. You don't need permission-you're informing them, not asking for approval.

Legal Requirements

You must ensure your child receives a "suitable education" that:

  • Enables them to participate fully in society
  • Is appropriate to their age, ability, and aptitude
  • Takes account of any special educational needs
  • Prepares them for adult life

There's no requirement to follow the National Curriculum, have set hours, or replicate school at home.

Step 3: Inform Your School (If Applicable)

If your child is currently at school, you'll need to write to the headteacher to inform them you're withdrawing your child to home educate.

Sample Letter

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

Dear [Headteacher's Name],

I am writing to inform you that I am withdrawing [Child's Name] from [School Name] to be educated at home in accordance with Section 7 of the Education Act 1996.

[Child's Name] will not be returning to school after [Date].

I understand that the school will inform the Local Authority of this withdrawal.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

Keep a copy of this letter for your records. The school must accept your decision-they cannot refuse or delay it.

Step 4: Inform Your Local Authority

It's good practice to inform your Local Authority (or Education Authority in Northern Ireland) that you're home educating, even if not legally required.

You can find your Local Authority's contact details on their website. Look for their "Elective Home Education" or "Home Education" department.

What to Include

  • Your name and address
  • Your child's name and date of birth
  • The date you started (or will start) home educating
  • A brief statement that you're providing suitable education

Step 5: Connect with Other Home Educators

One of the most valuable resources for home educating families is other home educators. They can provide support, advice, and friendship.

Find Local Groups

Search online for home education groups in your area. Many areas have Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, or websites listing local meetups.

Attend Meetups

Many groups organise regular meetups, park days, or activities. Attending these can help you and your child connect with others.

Use Flybrite

Flybrite helps you find and connect with local home education groups and families. Join groups, chat with other parents, and build your support network.

Step 6: Start Documenting

While there's no legal requirement to keep detailed records, documenting your child's learning can be helpful for:

  • Seeing how much learning is happening
  • Preparing reports for your Local Authority
  • Reflecting on your approach
  • Celebrating progress

Use Flybrite to Track Learning

Flybrite makes it easy to record learning activities as they happen. Our AI helps you identify the learning that's occurring naturally, making it easier to see how much learning is actually happening.

  • Record activities, outings, and discoveries
  • Get AI powered insights into learning
  • Generate reports for your Local Authority
  • See learning patterns over time

Step 7: Be Flexible

Remember that home education is a journey. What works one month might not work the next, and that's okay. Be prepared to adapt and change your approach as needed.

Common First-Year Challenges

  • Deschooling: It can take time for children (and parents) to adjust after leaving school. Allow time for this transition.
  • Finding Your Way: You might try several approaches before finding what works. This is normal.
  • Doubt: It's normal to have doubts, especially in the early days. Connect with other home educators for support.
  • Overwhelm: There's a lot of information out there. Take it one step at a time.

Step 8: Know Where to Get Help

You don't have to do this alone. There are many resources available:

Local Authority

Your Local Authority's Home Education department can provide information about legal requirements and may offer support or resources.

Home Education Organisations

Organisations like Education Otherwise, Home Education UK, and others provide information, support, and resources for home educators.

Online Communities

There are many online forums, Facebook groups, and websites where home educators share advice, resources, and support.

Flybrite Community

Connect with other home educating families through Flybrite. Join groups, ask questions, and share experiences.

Ready to Start?

Create your free account today and start connecting with your local home education community. Track meaningful learning moments and build the support network your family needs.

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