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Bracknell Forest Local Directory

Elective Home Education

Most parents send their child(ren) to school, but you do have the right to educate your child at home. As a parent, you must make sure your child receives a suitable, full-time education from statutory school ageYou might find the following guidance to be useful:

Elective home education: guide for parents (publishing.service.gov.uk)

 

How do parents/carers of children age 5+, that are not in school access advice and support services if they have concerns about their child?

Home educators assume financial responsibility for their child, and the local authority may not continue providing services that your child previously received through school, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech and language therapy (SaLT).

 

If parents have not electively de-registered (e.g. child is excluded, ill, or unable to attend school for other reasons), the LA does have a duty to arrange provision, which can be ‘otherwise than at school’, but, under current legislation (s19).

 

If a parent has concerns there are a number of ways to begin self-help.  For example, the NHS offer a number of on-line 'toolkits'

Occupational Therapy Toolkit | CPFT NHS Trust

 

Speech and Language Therapy Toolkit | CPFT NHS Trust

 

The CYPF online resource also has a large number of leaflets to advise parents on a very wide range of concerns including anger, anxiety, sensory difficulties and much more https://cypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/

 

There are also lots of charities and organisations supporting families of children with SEN, and they may be able to help with learning ideas that fit your child’s needs. The British Dyslexia Association, for example, offers resources to help with handwriting. The Local Authority Elective Home Education Officer may be able to help to signpost to appropriate organisations.

 

There may be other ways of accessing support. Your GP may be able to arrange the therapies your child needs on the NHS. Some charities also offer support or financial assistance to help you meet your child’s needs. 

 

It is a good idea to get Bracknell Forest IASS involved.  They provide free, impartial information, advice and support for children/young people with special educational needs.  The contact details for them are on this page:

https://www.bracknellforestiass.co.uk/

 

Often families find their child’s needs for therapy change when home educating; each child is different. If your child has a medical need then these therapies should continue but they are not arranged by the LA. If they stop because you’re home educating talk to the NHS service involved or, if you need a referral, approach your GP or child’s paediatrician.

 

A parent can request a statutory assessment or reassessment of their child’s needs in the same way as a child attending a school.  Making a request for an EHC needs assessment: Model letter 1 | (IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice

 

We have a Bracknell Forest Elective Home Education Parents’ Forum which you would be very welcome to join, and parents find this really helpful.  We meet every other month to discuss any challenges, ideas or concerns you may have individually or as a collective relating to elective home education.  It is also a good chance to speak with other parents.  If you would like more information about this, then please contact the Local Authority Elective Home Education Officer on the number provider below.

Who to contact

Telephone
01344 354037 / 07468 709268
E-mail
Elective.HomeEducation@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Website
https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/.../elective-home-education
Last Update: 07/03/2024

Please note that the Bracknell Forest Services Directory includes some information and links to third party internet websites which are controlled and maintained by others. Bracknell Forest Council is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in the services guide and cannot be responsible for the linked external sites. Bracknell Forest Council does not represent or warrant that its web site or any other web site accessible via the Bracknell Forest Services Directory is virus free.
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