Separated Parents
The Elective Home Education team reviews the home education provisions of children and young people in the London Borough of Barnet.
We recognise and respect that all families are different and equal. We also recognise that sometimes there may be conflicting views between separated parents in relation to how their child is educated. Nevertheless, the team are unable to intervene in such disputes between parents.
Deregistering a child for home education
Before deregistering a child from a school for elective home education, both parents should check any court orders that may be in place for their child. Unless a court order states that a child may not be deregistered for home education, then either parent with parental responsibility can deregister their child for home education. Any challenges to the deregistration are an issue between the separated parents, and where necessary, the Family Court.
The Elective Home Education Team are unable to intervene or mediate in any disputes between parents in relation to deregistration of a child from school for home education. Parents should where necessary take legal advice.
Who the Elective Home Education team will contact in relation to the annual review of a home educated child/ young person
The annual review of the elective home education provision for a child will ordinarily take place via the parent with care.
Contact with the non-resident parent
Where the Elective Home Education team are provided with the contact details of the non-resident parent, we will endeavour to update them in relation to the child’s elective home education only, including whether an annual review of the elective home education provision has been undertaken, whether the provision requires further development or whether a Child Missing Education (CME) referral has been made.
We are however unable to enter into discussions or communications which may breach the confidentiality and/or safety of either parent and/or the child.
Parental responsibility
We are unable to communicate with or respond to communications from any individual who does not have parental responsibility (PR) for the child.
Guidance
Elective Home Education Guidance in relation to disputes between parents can be found at paragraph 10.3. on pages 31 and 32:
Department for Education guidance in relation to Parental Responsibility (PR) can be found at: