New Home Education Laws UK

Your approach, your choice This page is a simple guide, not official advice. HomeEdUK is not a requirement and does not define how home education should be done.

It's a flexible, optional tool for parents who choose to keep records or create a simple summary if they ever want or need one.
There is no expectation to follow a curriculum, use subjects, or structure learning in any specific way.

This page is based on publicly available government information and is intended as a general guide.

What Is Changing for Home Education in the UK?

The UK government has introduced proposals through the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
These are not yet law and may change as they move through Parliament.

Why These Changes Are Being Introduced

The aim of the Bill is to ensure that all children receive a suitable and safe education, and that no child falls through gaps between services.

The focus is on improving safeguarding, increasing support for families, and helping services work together more effectively.

1. Children Not in School Register (CNIS)

The Bill proposes a Children Not in School register for each local authority.
This would help identify children who are not attending school and ensure they are receiving an education.

Stay organised Keeping a simple record of learning can make it easier to provide information if needed.

2. Providing Information About Education

Local authorities may request information about a child's education.
Parents can usually provide this in a format that reflects their approach to home education.

No pressure A simple written overview is often enough - there is no requirement to follow school-style formats.

3. Increased Oversight and Safeguarding

The proposals focus on improving safeguarding and ensuring that children receive a suitable education.
This may mean more communication between families and local authorities.

Stay prepared Keeping a simple record of learning can provide reassurance if you are ever asked about your provision.

4. Situations Where Home Education May Be Restricted

The Bill proposes that in certain safeguarding situations - such as where a child is under a protection plan - parents may not automatically be able to withdraw a child from school without agreement.

For most families If you are providing a suitable education and your child is safe, you can continue to home educate.

Important: Home Education Is Still Legal

Home education remains completely legal in the UK.
Parents still have the responsibility to provide an education suitable to their child's age, ability, and needs.

Many home educating families already do this successfully.
These proposals are focused on oversight and safeguarding, not banning home education.

Understanding Proposed Home Education Changes in the UK

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill includes proposals that may affect how home education is monitored in the future.

While changes are still being discussed, many parents are looking for simple ways to stay organised and prepared.

Some families choose to keep records of learning, while others take a more relaxed approach - both are valid.

HomeEdUK is simply a flexible tool for parents who want to log learning or create a simple summary if they ever need one, with no pressure or required structure.

New Home Education Changes