Home education

Home education for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND)

You can choose to teach your child at home, whether they do or do not have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). This is called elective home education (EHE).

If you choose to teach your child at home, you must make sure your child receives a full-time education from the age of 5. 

If your child has an EHCP, you will be responsible for meeting their special educational needs. 

You should not be placed under pressure by a school to start teaching your child at home. If you feel this is happening, contact our SEND Team or SENDIASS for advice. 

Telling your child's school

If your child goes to a mainstream school, you need to tell the school in writing that you wish to educate your child at home. The school will then inform us.

Find out more about informing the school.

If your child goes to a special school

If your child goes to a special school and you choose to teach them at home, you must agree this with the council first. 

Contact:

• the Elective Home Education Coordinator: ehe@wokingham.gov.uk
• the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team: sen@wokingham.gov.uk

Elective home education policy 

For more guidance, read and download Wokingham Borough Council's elective home education policy 

You can also read the elective home education guidance on GOV.UK. 

Get advice from SENDIASS

You can contact the Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) for advice about home education. 

Phone: 0118 908 8233

Email: sendiass@wokingham.gov.uk

SENDIASS also offers drop-in sessions every two weeks. They are free and confidential. You do not need an appointment.

Find out when the next drop-in sessions are on the SENDIASS website.