About home education

Home education is when a child is educated at home rather than at school.

The Education Act 1996 states that education is compulsory and it's the duty of parents to secure full time education for their child from the age of 5, but not necessarily by going to a school.

If you’re thinking about teaching your child at home, you must be committed to giving them a full time education that is suitable to their age and ability.

You do not need to be a qualified teacher.

If you decide to home educate

If you decide to home educate your child you must notify the:

  • council by emailing homeeducation@medway.gov.uk or writing to Inclusion Team, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR
  • school headteacher in writing.

If your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan and goes to a special school, you must get our consent before removing them from the school roll. This is so we can make sure they continue to get a suitable education.

When you start to home educate, a Home Education Adviser will contact you and arrange a visit to your home or another venue if you’d prefer. They will discuss the education you are providing and offer advice and guidance to the family.

The Home Education Adviser will normally contact you once a year to book a visit and ask for up to date information.

All school aged children are entitled to health and wellbeing services from the School Nursing Team.

For more information, download the elective home education policy.