If your child is of compulsory school age then they must receive a suitable full-time education. Parents can decide whether their child gets this education by attending school, or otherwise (such as by home education).

However, home education must be elective – that is, parents cannot be forced to home educate their child.

You have decided that home education is no longer right for your child, but your child is currently without a school place.

If any child of compulsory school age is not receiving education because:

  • illness is preventing them from being able to attend school
  • they have been permanently excluded from school, or
  • for any other reason (such as their parent no longer choosing to home educate them),

then under section 19 of the Education Act 1996, your local authority (LA) must make sure that suitable, full-time alternative education is put in place for them.

This education must be full-time unless a reduced level of education would be in your child’s best interests because of their physical or mental health. It must also be suitable for your child’s age, ability, aptitude, and special educational needs (SEN).

You can use our template letter to ask your LA to put this temporary education in place until your child starts back at school. For children with no school place, education must be provided immediately.