Educational Freedom report exposes widespread local authority failings in home education support

 

Why UK home educators are losing trust in their local authorities – 2024 report findings

A major report from Educational Freedom published last September, exposed how many UK home-educating families are being let down, misrepresented, or actively harmed by their local authorities (LAs). Drawing on 818 survey responses, Freedom of Information requests, and nearly two decades of casework, the findings are both sobering and familiar to many in the home education community.

You can download and read the full report below: Home Education Research, Survey, Data Analysis and Review.zip

 

A last resort, not always a choice

One of the most striking findings is that home education is often a last resort. For many families, the decision to deregister comes after exhausting all options in a school system that has failed to meet their child’s needs—particularly when it comes to special educational needs (SEN).

“LA were not interested and we gave up the fight in the end. Very thankful we did – both kids are flourishing now,” one parent wrote.

Despite the difficult circumstances that lead many to home education, the majority report that it has been a positive, even transformative, experience for their children. Many say they wish they’d done it sooner.

 

Home educators under pressure

The report paints a worrying picture of how some LAs approach families. Examples include unannounced visits, misleading letters, demands for samples of work, and threats of referrals to social services. These practices not only go beyond what the law requires—they can be traumatic for families who have already been through the wringer.

“For me, this would be doorstepping. People’s homes are their safe spaces. For autistic families such as ourselves, this heightens our sense of vulnerability and safety,” one respondent shared.

A significant number of families also report being misled or misinformed by their LA. Some were told they had to follow the National Curriculum, others were told unschooling was illegal. In many cases, families only realised they’d been given false information after speaking with other home educators or reading independent advice online.

“They made an appointment to visit without telling me it was optional. I only found out through a Facebook group.”

 

Is a national register the answer?

The report strongly challenges government plans for a Children Not in School (CNiS) register. While the government claims it would help identify children missing education, Educational Freedom argues the data simply doesn’t support this. In fact, some LAs already fail to keep accurate records or respond to FOI requests on time—raising doubts about their ability to manage a register effectively.

Instead of improving outcomes for children, a mandatory register risks stigmatising families and framing home education as a problem to be monitored.

“It would criminalise good parents and create more anxiety in families already under pressure,” the report warns.

 

What support do families actually want?

Interestingly, most families aren’t asking for money or handouts—they’re asking for accurate information. Survey respondents said they would value simple, practical things: a list of local exam centres that accept private candidates, signposting to trusted home education resources, and basic respect for different educational styles.

A few LAs were praised for offering newsletters, accurate guidance, or a genuinely supportive approach. But these were the exception, not the rule.

“They sent a really helpful letter with links and said they were there if we needed anything. No pressure. That felt respectful.”

There’s also strong resistance to any support being tied to extra surveillance or control. Many families made it clear: support should not be conditional on meetings, monitoring, or giving up educational freedom.

“I'd prefer not to be offered anything if it means giving up our rights. Our child’s education isn’t up for negotiation.”

 

A call for change

The report offers clear recommendations: scrap the CNiS register plans, improve consistency across LAs, and provide proper training for EHE staff, including awareness of SEN and non-school-based learning.

It also reminds us that home education is a valid, legal, and often life-saving choice for children who need something different.

“We’re not hiding. We’re in the library, at the park, at the museum. Home education isn’t the issue—it’s a solution that works.”

 

Three questions to reflect on

1. What would respectful, voluntary support from your local authority look like?

2. How could home educators better support each other in the absence of reliable LA help?

3. Should the home-ed community come together to define our own best practice—on our own terms?