Education Otherwise

Frequently asked questions

My child is on roll at a school but I wish to educate him/her myself. What should I do?

You will need to write to the Head Teacher of your child's school stating that it is your intention to educate otherwise. Upon receipt of this letter your child will be taken off roll from the school and the local authority will be informed. Visit the Parental Responsibilities web page.

Does the local authority assist with providing resources?

No, the local authority does not provide any resources. The responsibility for providing education resources for children educated otherwise falls to the parent. Visit the Deciding to Educate Otherwise web page.

Do I need to satisfy the local authority that I am providing a satisfactory education?

Yes, this is a requirement under Section 437 Education Act 1996. The local authority is legally required to ensure that all children in their area are receiving a suitable education. Visit the Role of the local authority web page.

Who decides if the education provision I provide is suitable?

An Inspector from the Children's Services Department will assess whether the provision you provide is suitable or not.

What if my education provision is not deemed suitable?

If this is the case then your case will be referred back to the Access and Attendance Team who may then ask the Admissions team to allocate your child a school place.

What if I refuse to put my child on roll at a school that has been allocated to him/her?

If your education provision has been deemed not suitable and you have been allocated a school place which you have then not taken up, you may be issued with a School Attendance Order by the Education Department.

Further information

For further information, please contact the Access and Attendance Team or visit our other Education Otherwise web pages.

Contact

Paul Kelly

Group Manager - Admissions and Attendance

Morline House

160 London Road

Barking

IG11 8BB

Tel: 020 8227 5537

Fax: 020 8227 5541

Email: paul.kelly@lbbd.gov.uk|