What is the first step?

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Sit down with a cuppa and read this section before you go any further

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Before you embark on sending in the deregistration letter and going mad buying all the CPG books you can find, curriculum's and resources have a read through this with a cuppa and double check this really what you want or need to do. If the answer is yes read on. If the answer is no - think of a way of bridging the gap - talk to school, look for new schools, discuss EOTAS but do not jump in both feet first. If your child is too ill to go to school there is specific government documents which cover the details for this.

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So you have said yes. Read on

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Firstly you need to understand a few things. There is no rest break unless you're really lucky and have good friends or family close by who can help. There are no sick days. It isn't about sitting back and letting them play video games and watch telly all day. It can be challenging - and not just about the home education elements but going out to shops and being questioned always "oh no school today" assumptions and such like - everyone seems to have an opinion. Its about finding enough for them to do that they want to do, getting through things they need to do, having friends, no friends. When they're older - do we work towards exams, alternative qualifications or simply get a job and do nothing academic. The biggies - there is no financial help, you may need to pay for private services for some traditionally NHS available options like OT, Educational Psychology or Speech and Language therapy.

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So that was the bad news - now for the good.

You get to enjoy watching your children grow, learn and mature in the way you want to with your views and your beliefs. Your children get to socialise with many people over the course of their days and weeks of all ages, all faiths and creeds which in turn makes them a more tolerant and well rounded grown up. You get to choose what to learn so that you can follow the child's interests and not just follow the national curriculum. You will develop your own responses to those awkward daily questions and before long you will be well versed. Working towards exams is a very personal choice - some argue they are necessary others say they're not. There are alternative ways to get qualifications see the XXXX page for more details. But unless you are in Year 10 and 11 where you can apply with part funding for exams there is no good news about financial help. But there are ways to make it work without it costing an arm or a leg.

Firstly you need to make a realistic plan of what you and your child want to achieve and that will depend on the age of the child when you begin home educating. If you are already at years 10 and 11 you don't need to keep up with the enormous amounts of GCSEs they did in school. Perhaps concentrate on maybe 5 or 6 at most and they can be spread over a few years. However you may have to change your syllabus as some can't be taken by private candidates which you are now becoming. To be clear for college admission and as part of the conditions of funding you will need Maths and English or their Functional Skill equivalents and at least 3 or 5 full level 2 passes at grade C/4 or higher. Again that depends on what course you are wanting to do.

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So what subjects do you want to choose to do. Some subjects are not available outside schools but it will tell you in the specification. Some subjects you can do GCSE but for some like English and Sciences the IGCSE is the only option for most people. Then its a choice of exam board. Many do a variation of the same exam - the difference may be subtle but can affect grades. For example, some may have more writing some have multiple choice. It is simply getting on line and looking at the various papers for each exam board and in conjunction with the specification, past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports it should give you a fair idea of what they are looking for and how they want it. All of these things are available on the boards web sites.

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Following the astute study of the subject(s) chosen then its the turn of finding a centre to administer the exam. This could be a school or private centre. Again if you are too ill to attend a centre in person there are accommodations which can be made by the exam centre but this needs to be discussed well in advance. Please note not all centres accommodate all exam boards so do remember to check when you phone the centre to check if they cover your exam board. (This is all to do with fees which the centre pays to the exam board in advance to be able to administer their exams). 

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If you think your child may need extra time or help to have a fair chance at taking the exam then the child could be awarded Access Arrangements. These arrangements are done in conjunction with the exam centre and must be done prior to undertaking any testing. It is wise where possible to start gathering evidence for such accommodations from Year 7 of any extra help and support that is given and keep track of it in a folder. Ask any tutors you might use to make a statement about any difficulties they have noted or if they have had to make changes to their teaching practice or methods. This can all be supportive evidence. If the child uses supportive / adaptive technology in any way - voice recorders, computers for essays, reading pens for example ensure you keep records of its use and its usefulness. Note also how long it takes them to complete tasks and mock exams.

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There are various ways to study such as using you tube, text books, independent study and online resources. You may have the option for using distance learning providers or local tutors. Remember that if you use tutors you must be aware you are responsible for your child's ongoing safety. 

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Next stage to to book the exam with your exam centre. You have to book with them as exam boards don't take the entries direct because of the fees involved as previously stated. Exams are booked in three 'seasons'. Autumn - usually these are resits (but not always) and take place around October / November time. January Sitting - as the name suggest these are around January time and then the Summer sitting is the main exam season which runs from May to June.

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Beginning to self study for exams they need help to dig in to a subject, get enthusiastic. You may need to get passionate along side them about the subjects they have chosen, find interesting trips and documentaries to supplement basic book work. You may need to change your lifestyle to adapt to having more serious work to do, please adapt, this is only a season and it passes quick. Let your younger kids join in with age appropriate versions of the course work, i.e biology, looking a cell structure, everyone can have a play with microscopes and slides and learn.

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If you choose to begin home education as a natural progression when their toddler friends slip off to nursery and Reception at this time there is no legal requirement to inform the LA unless you have formally accepted a place through admissions. Then you follow the normal deregistration process for mainstream school. Otherwise it is pretty much continue as if you were their teacher. It is probably a good idea to keep some form of evidence. 

How do I keep evidence?

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It is not essential but wise to keep some form of evidence of your home education journey. This is not a legal requirement at this time but it is good practice to do so. Should you be called to show what your education looks like you will have a less stressful time if it is prepared as you go along and at hand. Its purpose would be so that you can give confidence to anyone from the LA who asks that your child is being stimulated, challenged, making progress and is seen outside of the home by people other than family or friends. What they can not do is judge your provision unless it appears nothing is being done. It has become a greater desire to show that your child is receiving some form of nurturing in numeracy and literacy although they can not prescribe this or dictate how this is done.

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Evidence can be in any form you choose - this list is not meant to cover all aspects but give you an idea of the scope and what you can provide.

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Examples of:

• written work

• drawings

• lapbooks

• photographs

• diary entries

• receipts of outings

• programmes / flyers from visits

• written notes by teachers / tutors

• video

• meeting with or without the children to 'discuss' what you have done

• report written by primary care / education giver

• scrap books

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If you need a deregistration letter for a Mainstream School 

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If you need a deregistration letter for a Special School

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