Parents in Rhondda Cynon Taf have the legal right to educate their children at home, as outlined in Section 7 of the Education Act 1996. This act requires parents to ensure their child receives an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any additional learning needs.
The local authority aims to foster positive relationships with home educators to support the educational interests and well-being of children.
What is Elective Home Education (EHE)?
Elective Home Education (EHE) refers to parents choosing to take responsibility for their child's education outside the school system.
Children must be educated from the term following their fifth birthday until the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16. If you decide to home-educate, you will be responsible for all associated costs, including educational resources and examination fees for any public exams.
The Process For Becoming Electively Home Educated
If your child is currently enrolled in school, it is recommended that you discuss your decision with the school and an attendance and wellbeing officer to explore potential support before deregistering. Should you choose to proceed, you must submit a written request to the school headteacher specifying the date you wish to remove your child from the school roll.
For children not previously enrolled in school or who have moved into the area, parents should notify the local authority directly of their intention to home educate. This can be done by emailing EHE@RCTCBC.GOV.UK .
Support Available to EHE Families
When Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Authority receives notification that a child will be educated at home, it will aim to contact the parents within 10 working days. Parent can expect to receive an initial welcome email.
While the local authority does not provide education, initial and annual follow-up visits are offered to ensure your child's education meets the legal requirements. Resources, advice, events and enrichment opportunities are shared periodically.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Authority acknowledges there is no legal obligation for parents to meet with the local authority and are free to decline a meeting if they so wish. However, the local authority will need to be satisfied that a child is receiving suitable education
Parents of learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) must ensure that the EHE provision continues to meet their child's needs. For children attending special schools, the local authority's consent is required before deregistration.
Education Being Delivered
When evaluating the suitability of home education, the LA recognises the diversity of educational approaches and methods. Some parents may prefer a structured, formal style of education, while others may opt for a more flexible and interest-led approach tailored to the child’s needs and aspirations.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Authority does not require parents to follow the National Curriculum, adhere to a formal timetable, or replicate school hours, days or terms. We respect parents’ rights to choose an educational approach that best supports their child’s development and potential. While education need not conform to a traditional format of lessons or schedules, it is beneficial for parents to outline their long-term goals and the strategies they will use to achieve them.
Suggested characteristics of a suitable and efficient education
A suitable education would include provision in literacy and language skills and numeracy skills suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude and to any ALN the child may have. Suitable education is not simply a matter of academic learning but should also involve socialisation. It should ensure the child has opportunities to engage in a reasonably broad range of learning experiences, including the opportunity for an appropriate level of physical activity and play and the opportunity to interact with other children and adults.
Additional Learning Needs
If you believe your child has an additional learning need, you can discuss this with the local authority’s ALNAS Team. You can contact them by emailing ALNAS@RCTCBC.GOV.UK.
Safeguarding and Monitoring
The local authority has a duty to ensure children receive suitable education and to act on any safeguarding concerns. A parent's decision to home educate does not automatically raise wellbeing concerns.
Parents are encouraged to notify the EHE Service of any address changes to maintain accurate records and prevent the child from being mistakenly classified as missing. This can be done by emailing EHE@RCTCBC.GOV.UK .
Flexi-Schooling
Flexi-schooling is an arrangement where a child attends school part-time and is home-educated for the remainder. This is distinct from EHE and requires the headteacher's approval. Flexi-schooling is a valid form of full-time education but is not an automatic right.
When Education is Deemed Unsuitable
If it appears that a suitable education is not being provided, the local authority will work with families to address concerns. Continued concerns may result in a School Attendance Order (SAO) requiring the child to return to school.
Re-Enrolling in School
For parents wishing to re-enrol their child in school, an admissions form can be requested by contacting schooladmissions@rctcbc.gov.uk
How to Contact Us
If you are considering EHE or require further information, please contact the Rhondda Cynon Taf Elective Home Education Service by emailing EHE@RCTCBC.GOV.UK or telephoning 01685 652526.
Useful Documents and Links:
- Welsh Government Elective Home Education Guidance
- Welsh Government Home Educators handbook
- Rhondda Cynon Taf Elective Home Education Policy
- SNAP Cymru (Home - Snap Cymru) - SNAP is free to families and offers impartial, accurate information and advice to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs (SEN)/additional learning needs (ALN) and disabilities: