Children's Wellbeing Act: the home education changes that are coming

New duties around children not in school are moving from proposal to practice, and families understandably want to know what it means for them. The headline: your right to educate your child at home in England remains in law. What is changing is the amount of information local authorities collect, and how consistently they are expected to collect it.

The central change is a register of children not in school, held by each local authority. Parents will be asked for basic details: the child's name, address, date of birth, and an outline of how education is being provided, including any time spent with other providers such as tutors or groups.

A second change gives local authorities clearer footing to ask for information and to follow up when they receive nothing at all. This is the part that worries families most, so it is worth being precise: an enquiry is not an inspection, and there is still no requirement to follow the National Curriculum, keep formal records, sit tests, or teach for set hours.

The practical advice from experienced families has not changed. Write a short educational philosophy statement, keep a light record of what you actually do, reply to letters in writing, and stay factual and measured. A one page summary of your approach handles almost every reasonable request.

Rules differ across the UK. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each operate their own frameworks, so check the guidance that applies where you live rather than assuming an England headline applies to you.