Educating your child at home

As a parent you are your child's first teacher and this continues even once they start school.

While most children will attend school for their education, you may wish your child to be educated at home. You are within your rights to make this request and we have a duty to respond to you. 

Agreement is on the basis that the lessons you plan will be suitable for the child's age, aptitude and ability, and for any additional needs your child may have.

If you decide to teach your child at home, a member of our Education Resources staff will meet you to:

• confirm your intention and reasons
• discuss your legal obligations
• outline our duties and requirements
• notify you of appropriate school places 
• advise you of the help available to you
• get written confirmation of your intentions
• evaluate your education plan.

Discussions will include the possibility of arranging for a Quality Improvement Officer to visit to help you plan. This will be followed up with an annual review.

We will let you know if your plans are suitable. If not the Quality Improvement Officer will discuss possible areas for improvement. If these improvements are not made then we may arrange for the child to attend school. 

For more information, please read our guide for parents, email education@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or call Education Resources on 0303 123 1023.