Starting HE in September

[appropriatelytrained]

We have had the most truly terrible experience with my son's school and LA after challenging his statement and pursuing more provision at Tribunal. The LA, school and S&LT turned violently against us resulting in our withdrawing our two children - 8 and 5 from school.

We are now moving out of county but will be HE until we do.

I got a letter from the EWO about it before the start of term and responded saying we were hoping to move out of county but that I would know more by the end of the summer.

I anticipate that they will get back in touch and want details of what I am doing.

How much information do people supply? Do you have to demonstrate how you are planning to educate in detail -e.g. with a timetable, curriculum etc - or is it more general than that.

Any information would be gratefully received

[SDeuchars]

You can give very general information. For example, you can write back saying that you are starting in September so you will give them information in January, once you have settled down to EHE.

In January (assuming you are still in the area), send them:

• an educational philosophy (an explanation of how you see education)
  
• a list of resources (library, TV, PC, books, etc.)
  
• a statement of provision (how you carry out education)
  

There are examples on the web. I have only sent in one letter (in 14 years of EHE) and it was only one A4 page (for a 10yo). I can send a copy if you PM me.

[appropriatelytrained]

Thanks I will PM you - would be great to see what you did.

[FionaJNicholson]

Are you in England? I have information on my website about how local authorities deal with home education + Government Home Education Guidelines and tips on writing an educational philosophy + report. Do either or both of your children have a statement of SEN? I ask because the annual review of the statement may be undertaken quite separately from any contact you have with the education welfare service or with "home education" (whoever that turns out to be)

Anyway, more info here
Government Elective Home Education Guidelines for England set out as copy and paste web page
edyourself.org/articles/guidelines.php
Home Education and the law (including SEN)
edyourself.org/articles/helaw.php
Writing an educational philosophy ("ed phil") and report
edyourself.org/articles/edphilgeneral.php

[appropriatelytrained]

Thanks - yes I am in England and yes my eldest has a statement. Thanks for the links. I will have a look.

[FionaJNicholson]

All parents are required to cause their children to be educated according to age, ability, aptitude and special needs. The provisions of the statement are NOT binding on the parent and the learning objectives for the school setting are not applicable to the home setting. More info here edyourself.org/articles/helaw.php#specialneeds

A note of caution: if the local authority believes that you intend for your children to return to the school system very soon, it may press for you to "keep up with what they'd be doing in school." So paradoxically you may have more freedom in your home education if you leave it open-ended as to whether (or when) your children will be re-entering the system.

Of course, if you WANT to "keep up with what they'd be doing in school" for whatever reason, then please ignore the above!