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Elective Home Education (EHE)

As a parent you may be thinking of educating you child(ren) at home, either by providing tuition yourself, through family or friends, or engaging other educational services.

Elective home education or EHE is a term used to describe a choice by parents to provide education for their children at home or in some other way they desire, instead of sending them to school full-time. EHE is different to education provided by a local authority other than at a school, for example for children who are too ill to attend school.

As a parent you may be thinking of engaging private tutors, other adults, or online tuition to assist in providing a suitable education, but there is no requirement to do so. There are other settings which may be used, not just the family home. Such settings may well not be regulated in any way so there is no external assurance that they comply with basic standards, such as proper vetting of staff and safeguarding children.

Although children being home educated are not normally registered at any school or college, you may choose to make arrangements for your child(ren) to receive part of their education at a school (‘flexi-schooling’) – or at an Further Education college or other 16-19 provider if they are aged 14 or above. The purpose of this will often be to provide education in specific subjects more easily than is possible at home. Schools and colleges are under no obligation to agree to such arrangements, but some are happy to do so.

If you are considering electively home educating your child(ren) we recommend you read the ‘What you need to know’ document which has been published by the Department for Education (DfE).

The Government has produced guidance to help parents understand their obligations and rights in relation to elective home education. Before you make your final decision around elective home educating your child(ren) we advise you read the guidance.

North Yorkshire Council have and Elective Home Education Offer and Elective Home Education Advisors who meet with parents and carers who are considering elective home education prior to making their final decision. They will discuss with you:

why elective home education is being considered
explore all options available to you
help overcome any issues which may have arisen in relation to school
ensure, as parents, you have all the information available to you regarding home schooling
introduce you to a named contact who you can get in touch with regarding any queries

To find out more information about the Elective Home Education offer please visit: