Parents have the right to educate their child at home if they choose to do so. Where a parent decides to provide Elective Home Education (EHE), schools play an important role in ensuring that the correct legal process is followed and that the Local Authority is informed promptly.
Waltham Forest Elective Home Education team works collaboratively with schools and families to ensure children receive a suitable education and that statutory responsibilities relating to education, safeguarding and attendance are fulfilled.
For advice regarding Elective Home Education, deregistration requests, pupils with EHCPs, safeguarding considerations or statutory responsibilities, please contact:
Waltham Forest Elective Home Education Team
ehe@walthamforest.gov.uk
Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents are responsible for ensuring their child receives an efficient, full-time education suitable to their child's age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
Schools are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the latest national guidance and legislation.
Department for Education Guidance
Legislation
Schools also have responsibilities under the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024 regarding the removal of pupils from roll.
A pupil may only be removed from the school roll for Elective Home Education once the appropriate legal requirements have been met.
Parent EHE Notification
Parents must notify the school in writing that they intend to educate their child otherwise than at school. The written contact should include the date from which home education will commence.
The parent will be sent a EHE notification form to establish the child’s details and circumstances.
Once received the EHE team will complete relevant checks involving Children and social care and the SEND Team (if relevant) and once complete will add the child to the Waltham Forest EHE Register.
The parent will also be invited to sign up to the EHE Parent newsletter.
For more information regarding EHE Parent Guidance
School EHE Referral to the Local Authority
Upon receipt of a written request, schools should notify the Waltham Forest Elective Home Education Team and submit the required referral documentation.
The Local Authority will undertake checks including:
Within 5 Working Days
Within 10 Working Days
Consideration of Individual Circumstances
Mainstream Pupils
Where a pupil attends a mainstream school, schools should notify the Local Authority and follow the agreed EHE process before removing the pupil from roll.
Pupils with an EHCP in Mainstream Schools
Where a pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), schools should work with families and SEND services to discuss available support and alternative options before deregistration.
Schools should:
low Local Authority guidance regarding removal from roll.
Pupils Attending Special Schools
Where a child attends a special school under an EHCP, Local Authority consent must be obtained before the pupil can be removed from the school roll for Elective Home Education.
Schools must:
Safeguarding Considerations
Elective Home Education is not, in itself, a safeguarding concern. However, Local Authorities and schools must continue to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities.
Where a child is subject to:
schools must work with Children's Social Care and the Local Authority before the child is removed from roll. Additional checks may be required to ensure that Elective Home Education is a safe and suitable arrangement.
Removal from Roll
Schools should only remove a pupil from roll when:
Schools must:
What Happens After Deregistration?
Once notified, the Waltham Forest Elective Home Education Team will:
The Local Authority will normally seek evidence that the education provided is:
Where Concerns Arise
If the Local Authority is unable to establish that a suitable education is being provided, it may:
More information regarding Children Missing in Education (CME)