The Education (Guernsey) Law 1970 states that parents have a legal duty to cause their children of compulsory school age (i.e. 5 to 16 years) to receive "efficient, full-time education suitable to the child's age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have either by regular attendance at school or otherwise".
In accordance with Section 17 of this Law, you are able to exercise your right to home-educate your children if you choose.
If your child is already registered with a school and you decide to home-educate, you are requested to notify the school and the States of Guernsey of your intention to withdraw your child from the school roll and to home-educate. You will then be invited to attend a meeting with an Education Officer and School Attendance Officer. This meeting provides you with an opportunity to discuss the educational provision you intend to offer your child/children. The Education Officer will then make regular supportive contact, once or twice a year, to ensure your child's education is progressing in line with the law.
This version of the policy is an interim version which has had minor adjustments to better reflect the legal position of parents/carers who choose to home educate their children. This policy is currently undergoing a full review and will be further updated in due course.
We can offer advice and information to any parent wishing to home-educate. Any home-educated child is entitled to return to school at any time.
