If you’re a parent or guardian who has a child you want to deregister for home education in the UK, then be assured the process is straightforward and you are well within your rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the deregistration process in the UK.
Inform the School
You must inform the Head Teacher of your child’s school of your decision to deregister. There’s no need to seek permission or approval from the Education Authority, and you don’t need to attend meetings or continue sending your child to school after informing them of your decision.
Home Education UK Deregistration Letter
Draft a clear and concise letter stating your intention to deregister your child for home education. You can use my sample Home Education UK Deregistration Letter as a guide, but personalising it with your own words is recommended. Send the letter via registered post, email it or hand-deliver it to the school, ensuring you obtain proof of receipt.
Immediate Effect
Deregistration takes effect immediately upon receipt of the letter by the school. While you may or may not receive further communication from the school or Education Authority, your responsibility ends once the letter is sent.
Educate Yourself and Stay Informed
Take the time to thoroughly research home education regulations and guidelines in your area. Familiarise yourself with your legal responsibilities and stay informed about any updates or changes to the law. If you are based in Northern Ireland then a good place to start is the new Northern Irish Guidance in Elective Home Education.
Connect with Others
Reach out to other home-educating parents for support and advice. Networking with experienced home educators can provide valuable insights and guidance as you embark on your home education journey. Join Facebook groups such as Home Education For All and search for ones in your local area as well.
Provide Requested Information
You may be asked to provide information to the Education Authority about your home education plans. You can do this in the form of an educational philosophy or ‘ed phil’. While the approach may vary by region, staying informed and maintaining records of your interactions with the Education Authority is essential.
The Final Word
Remember, the decision to deregister your child for home education is a personal one, and you have the right to make choices that best suit your child’s needs and your family’s values. There are a lot of valid reasons to Home Educate. By following these simple steps and staying informed, you can navigate the deregistration process with confidence and embark on a rewarding home education journey.
HOME EDUCATION FAQS SERIES
This post is part of a series of Frequently Asked Questions concerning Home Education in the UK. If you are new to Home Education, are considering it in the future or you know people who Home Educate then reviewing the list of FAQs can be a good place to start. You may also be interested in be notified when my Home Education FAQs Ebook is published and if so please sign up below to be added to the list.
FURTHER READING ON HOME EDUCATION
Read more in some of my Favourite Home Education Books:
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[…] De-registration: The process of formally removing a child from a school roll to begin home education. Read my step-by-step guide to deregistration. […]