Home Education
Every child has the right to an education, and it is the duty of the parent of every school age child to provide that education, either by sending the child to school, or by other means.
Home education is a key aspect of parental choice, and is an equally valid choice alongside the option to send a child to school. Each individual enquiry about home education, request to withdraw a child from school, or contact between a local authority and a home educating family should be dealt with as fairly, consistently, timeously and accurately as possible.
The attached guidance is issued under Section 14 of the Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000 and must be read in conjunction with that Act and the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.
The guidance applies to home education provided by parents, not to education being provided outwith school by local authorities.
The purpose of the guidance is to set out the legislative position, provide advice on the roles and responsibilities of local authorities and parents in relation to children who are home educated, and to encourage local authorities and home educating parents to work together to develop trust, mutual respect and a positive relationship that functions in the best educational interests of the child. The guidance also provides details of home education support organisations based within Scotland and across the UK and information regarding other useful contacts.
Links to two networks that may be able to support you, Scottish Home Education Forum and Home Education Scotland can be found opposite under 'Other Websites'
You may also find other helpful networks in your local area.
For further information please contact Elaine McLoughlin on 01475 712850 or email admin.educationhq@inverclyde.gov.uk