What do I write in my letter to the LA ?

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi, I need to write to the LA to inform them that I'm now HEing my 6 year old daughter. I'm not quite sure what to wright. I know the school usually inform the LA, but my daughter has come out of a private school so it's slightly different as I'll have to inform the LA myself.

I'd be really greatful if someone could give me an idea of what to wright.

Thank you.

You don't have to write to them at all. Since she wasn't in a state school, you don't have to deregister her, and that's the only thing the state school legally have to do when they tell the LA.

Don't write to them at all. What AMIS said. You just get on with it. If it comes to the attention of the LA that you are HEing, then they'll ask about your educational provision, but since they have absolutely nothing positive to offer you (any advice they give you is likely to have other HEers snorting with hilarity at its idiocy and outdatedness) then there is no earthly reason (and certainly no legal reason) for you to invite them into your life!

Oh, that does supprise me. Won't I get into trouble if they find out?

My nephiew came home from school really upset recently as the school had told him that he'd used up all his sick days and that if he had any more time off, his parents would get into trouble. He's 11 and in year 7.

This makes me think they won't be too pleased if I don't let them know. She also recieves speech therapy, occupational therapy and will be seing a school nurse so they'll find out anyway.

They aren't allowed to give you any trouble for not telling them. Because she's only ever been to a private school, you're in the same legal position as if she was still 4 and had never been to school at all. And that means you can choose to home educate her if you want, and don't have to tell anyone about it.

You might find that the therapists tell the LA anyway, but they aren't allowed to make trouble about it, because it's your right as a parent to do it. All they can do is ask you to tell them how you are making sure she is getting a suitable education. And people on here can help you think about how to write that out for them if they do ask, so don't worry about that.

at your nephews school - they can't give his parents trouble if he is genuinely sick, only if they are not sending him to school when he's fine. Its not his fault (or theirs) if he just gets sick a lot.

It's true: you don't have to inform the LA, and there is no benefit to doing so.

You're right, they may not be pleased if you don't tell them. Luckily keeping overzealous intrusive public servants happy is not your responsibility; educating your daughter is.

If they give you any grief you could just say that you you were told there is no legal requirement for you to inform them, and could they please quote which law requires you to tell them.

This is a very useful technique with LAs who try to make you agree to things which you aren't required to do: just ask them to write quoting the relevant law. It usually silences them immediately. Sometimes they may try "our policy is..." but just repeat again that you are asking about LEGAL requirements.

Thank you, that's great. One less thing to have to do.

AMumInScotlan- I don't think it's very fair of the teacher either. He she seems to have taken a dislike to my nephiew. He has asthma and is often ill with that or things related to it.