Although most children are educated in a school, some people choose alternative education for their children. This is usually by opting to educate their children themselves in the family home. This type of education must still be efficient and suitable for your child.
Please read 'Thinking of Home Education' before you make a final decision.
Responsibilities
You must consider the following points when deciding to choose home education:
- Costs, both financial and to your time and energy
- Is your child happy about the idea of home education?
- Do you have the space to provide a suitable quiet working area?
- The quality of the education you intend to deliver – do you have the knowledge and resources to meet your child’s needs?
- The social interaction for your child with other children
- Regular physical exercise
- Additional support for both you and your child
There is no recommended method or style to the education you provide. It is helpful to plan a programme of learning, which will also assist you in demonstrating that your child is receiving an efficient and suitable education.
You do not have to provide any particular type of education and can also employ tutors to assist with the education of your child. However, if you intend to employ tutors, it is a legal requirement that they are DBS checked before working with your child.
Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the parents.
Getting Ready for Change – Health Questionnaire - Year 9
Local NHS clinicians have created an online health questionnaire that can serve as your ‘Getting Ready for Change’ checklist and help you understand your health as you move through secondary school. This invitation is for all young people living in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough who are aged 13-14 years.
It covers lots of points from hearing and eyesight through to emotional health and behaviour. You can complete it on your mobile device or laptop. After you answer just seven questions, a summary report will be produced for you, with links to helpful information and support.
You can access the questionnaire - Year 9 Getting Ready for Change Questionnaire on the NHS website. Please complete by the end of the summer term 2026.
This year, we have also launched our new ‘Getting Ready for Change’ Extra Help questionnaire, which may be suitable for you if you need extra help with things like:
- preferring things to be read out loud or to watch videos
- having difficulty reading words on a screen or page
- using assisted technology such as Dragon software
- getting Preparation for Adulthood (PFA) support
- having an EHCP
- having a learning disability
- getting extra support or time in school
- having an additional need or disability
The Extra Help version can be found on the Year 9 Getting Ready for Change Questionnaire on the NHS website.
This questionnaire is aimed at young people aged 13-14 years (Year 9) and is to be completed by them themselves. It includes a link to the NHS digital platform and encourages them to answer a series of questions on important health topics relating to their child.
A summary of their responses is then provided, including links to further information, resources, and guidance on accessing support.
Elective Home Education Policy and Procedures
Further advice and information
- Information for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is available through our Education (Local Offer) page
- Information about the legal position with regards to Elective Home Education, please read our Elective Home Education Policy document above.
- View information documents for parents and carers (opens Microsoft SharePoint)
- Elective Home Education guidance on the GOV.UK website
- All you need to know about home-schooling and Elective Home Education - Department for Education blog on the GOV.UK website
Contact us
For general enquiries and advice, please email homeeducation@peterborough.gov.uk or contact Customer Services.