• Services and Support
• Pupil attendance
• • Allocation of EWS staff and services
  • Attendance Data
  • Education otherwise than at school
  • EWS Quality Standards
  • Fixed Penalty Notices
  • Guidance for schools
  • Referrals to EWS
  • Statutory action for non-school attendance
  • Strategy and partnership
  • Truancy watch

Education otherwise than at school

Education provided other than at school by parents

Whilst CEA @Islington provides suitable education for all children within the Borough, it recognises and acknowledges that some parents may wish to exercise their legal right to provide suitable education other than that provided.

CEA@ Islington through the Education Welfare Service and School Improvement Service will offer those parents advice and guidance on the procedures involved in the process and what would be expected of them should they choose this course of action.

The EWS will additionally advise parents of independent organisations, both locally and nationally, where they can seek further information and support.

CEA@ Islington has a responsibility to ensure that any education provided is suitable and if this should not be the case, specific action will be taken.

Legal requirements when educating other than at school    
Parents who choose to educate their children other than at school must provide their child with ‘suitable education’ (Section 7 Education Act 1996).
‘Suitable education’ is defined in relation to any child , as meaning efficient full-time education suitable to his/her age, ability, and aptitude and to any special educational needs they may have.
Parents often ask what they must ‘do’ if opting to educate their children other than at school. There is no definitive answer to the question but the following information is provided to assist parents in making their decision.

Children who are educated other than at school:
· do not have to follow the National Curriculum
· do not have to have a timetable
· are not required to be taught by a qualified teacher
· are not required to work during the usual school hours
· do not have to work any particular number of hours 

Parents are advised to ensure that adequate arrangements have been made and their legal duty is satisfied.

Parent’s must:
Parent’s who chose to educate their child other than at school are required to inform the school at which there child is on roll that is their intention.
The school are then required to inform the Education Welfare Service, who will then contact the parents to ascertain further details and begin the process of ensuring that a suitable education is being provided.

Advice and Guidance Leaflet

Application Form

Contact
CEA@Islington
Duty Service
Education Welfare Service
Laycock Street
London
N1 1TH
Tel: 020 7527 5833