The following information is for parents/carers who may wish to consider home education.
Home education is a key aspect of parental choice and is recognised as an equally valid choice alongside sending a child to school. Shetland Islands Council is committed to working with all parents fairly, consistently, timeously and accurately. The reasons parents/carers may wish to consider home education for their children are extremely varied. Parents/carers make a philosophical planned decision to home educate their children and research the area in depth. Parents are advised that the Council has a legal requirement to ensure that education provided at home is suitable and efficient.
Scottish Government Home Education Guidance sets out the legislative position and provides advice on the roles and responsibilities of local authorities and parents in relation to children who are home educated.
Please note Scottish Home Education Guidance is currently under Government review and Shetland Islands Council local authority Policy will be updated in accordance with this.
Related links
https://www.mygov.scot/home-education/ and https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/home-education provides further information to parents
The Home Education Scotland charity also offers support and advice for parents and carers considering home education.
Further resources for home educators in Scotland are available from: www.scothomeed.co.uk.
Schoolhouse Home Education Association - Information and support for parents and carers in Scotland who seek to take personal responsibility for the education of their children.
Home Education Advisory Service (HEAS) - Link to the website of the UK based Home Education Advisory Service.
https://www.shetland.gov.uk/support-pupils/ema-bursaries-financial-support
Information on Education Maintenance Award for young people aged 16 and over, including those in home education.
Sometimes parents may turn to home education as a reaction to a school based dissatisfaction with a school environment. If this may be the case, the Councils complaints procedure can be followed.