Something we came across in many different FB groups were posts from people regarding the local authority requesting (and in some instances) demanding a home visit.
Please understand and know that you do not have to accept any home visit from a local authority.
Below you will find a couple of letters you can use as your response back to the local authority.
These are just templates for you, please amend as necessary and you can simply copy and paste any part you like.
I can’t remember which Facebook groups I found these in but I have used them from the start.
Example 1.
Dear (name of LA officer),
I acknowledge receipt of your (letter/email/text message) dated (date).
I am fully cognisant of the legislation and guidance relating to home education and confident that I am meeting my duties under the Education Act 1996 s7.
(I note that you have invited yourself to my home, to meet with me, which is to say the least presumptuous)
(I note that you have invited yourself to my home, to meet with me and wonder if you have considered how this may be received by parents? If you were able to reflect how you would feel if a stranger invited themselves to your home, I suspect that you would be affronted, as am I)
( I note that you have invited yourself to my home, to meet with me….your own words)
Please note your records carefully that I do not require a meeting with you and prefer that all communication is in writing.
I have the support of home educating families both nationally and locally, but if I require your support at a later date, I will of course contact you.
In the meantime, if you have any specific concerns in respect of my education provision, please advise me of the nature of those concerns, in order that I might properly address them.
(If a report is asked for as an alternative, or ‘evidence’ asked for add: I will provide an education report to you no later than {15 -17 days time, or the day before their proposed meeting if later})
Yours sincerely
Example 2.
Dear
Re: Child’s name and dob
With regards to your letter/email of x date We would like to advise you that we do not require the visit offered for x date nor do we envisage choosing one at a further date, we of course will contact you should we need to.
If you have just deregistered you can add that you are settling in/adjusting well remembering that although it may and probably will take some time to adjust and find your feet. Eduaction must take place from day one and make it clear that it is the case.
There is no legislation on how this education is to look other than full-time education suitable –
(a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and
(b) to any special educational needs he may have,
(s7 1996 education act)
We have taken advice/research and are aware of our responsibilities under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, we are satisfied that we are providing ***** with an education which is suitable to his/her age, ability and aptitude as well as being full time.
If this is a yearly check-in requested inlcuded a brief report /educational philosophy.
You do not and should not send samples of work. The authorities should not ask for this (Although some do)
