Homeschooling (also known as Elective Home Education) is when a child receives their education outside of a traditional school setting, typically at home. Parents or guardians take responsibility for planning and delivering the curriculum, which can be tailored to the child’s interests, pace, and needs. It’s legal across the UK and can begin at any age.

Elective Home Education (EHE) can support any student who has additional needs or a disability that prevents them from thriving in a traditional school setting. 

Common for Children Who:

• Struggle with overstimulation in classrooms or ADHD.
• Experience unmet needs, anxiety, trauma, or bullying.
• Require sensory-friendly environments for autism and SPD.
• Benefit from tailored literacy support for dyslexia and dysgraphia. 
• Need one-on-one maths tutoring for dyscalculia.
• Require flexible routines for PDA, epilepsy, or cerebral palsy.

Key Features of Homeschooling:

• Parents design and deliver the curriculum.
• Flexible and adaptable to each learner’s individual needs.
• Can include tutors, online courses, and group learning.
• Parents must notify the LA (Local Authority) if they are withdrawing from school.
• No funding from LA unless through EHCP personal budgets.

Learning from home as opposed to the traditional classroom setting can be life-changing for children and young people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other additional needs or disabilities. It removes the barriers of overstimulating mainstream classrooms and replaces them with personalised, supportive learning. 

Reasons to consider homeschooling for SEND:

• Personalised learning: Tailored pacing and content that adapts to each child’s unique strengths, challenges, and interests.
• Reduced anxiety: Calm, predictable environments. Ideal for learners with autism (ASD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and other sensory processing needs.
• Flexible scheduling: Learning routines that fit around medical appointments, therapy sessions, energy levels, and family life.
• One-on-one support: Access to tutors specialising in ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse profiles, ensuring targeted and compassionate guidance.
• Holistic development: Emphasis on emotional wellbeing, communication skills, and practical life skills, not just academics.

SEND Tutoring works with a carefully selected team of qualified teachers who are experienced in supporting children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). What sets our tutors apart is their ability to adapt. Lessons aren’t delivered from a rigid script, they’re shaped around each learner’s interests, energy levels, and preferred ways of engaging. Whether it’s using visual supports, project-based learning, or sensory-friendly approaches, our tutors know how to meet students where they are. We also prioritise relationship-based practice. For children who’ve experienced trauma, exclusion, or school-based anxiety, trust is everything. Our tutors build that trust slowly and respectfully, creating a safe space where learning can happen. 

And wherever you’re based, whether it’s the heart of London, the hills of Yorkshire, or the coast of Cornwall, we’ll match you with a local tutor who understands your community and your child’s unique needs. We have experienced SEND tutors available across the UK, including in London boroughs like Richmond upon Thames, Hackney, Camden, and Croydon, as well as in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, and Newcastle. With in-person and online options, support is always within reach.

If you’re considering EHE for your child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), you’re not alone, and you’re not without support. Starting the journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can also be incredibly empowering.

Here are the key steps to help you get started:

• Understand your rights and responsibilities: In the UK, you have the legal right to educate your child at home. You’re not required to follow the national curriculum, but you must ensure your child receives a full-time education suitable to their age, ability, and any special educational needs. Learn more on the Gov.uk website.
• Notify your child’s school (if applicable): If your child is currently enrolled in a school, you must write to the headteacher to formally deregister them. The school is legally required to remove your child from the register unless they are subject to a School Attendance Order. More details are available on Gloucestershire County Council’s guidance.
• Plan your approach: Home education is flexible, which means you can tailor learning to your child’s interests, needs, and pace. Whether you prefer structured lessons, project-based learning, or a more holistic approach, the key is to create a plan that works for your family. You can find helpful planning tips and FAQs on Essex County Council’s home education page.
• Consider support and resources: While you’re not required to have formal teaching qualifications, many parents choose to work with experienced tutors, especially for children with SEND. At SEND Tutoring, we can help you build a personalised learning plan and connect you with qualified tutors who understand your child’s unique needs.
• Stay connected with your local authority: Although you’re not obligated to accept visits, local councils may make informal enquiries to ensure your child is receiving a suitable education. It’s often helpful to maintain open communication and keep records of your child’s progress.

Homeschooling can be a powerful alternative for children who haven’t thrived in traditional settings. Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to take the leap, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Traditional Schooling vs Home Education with SEND Tutoring.

Let’s take a look at the key differences within each school subject:

This flexible model is especially effective for SEND learners as it allows them space to thrive without the pressure and overstimulation often found in mainstream classrooms.

SEND Tutoring supports families choosing EHE by offering expert guidance, tailored tuition, and practical strategies for creating a sustainable learning environment for each and every child. 

We help with:

• Planning your home education journey
• Delivering specialist tuition in core subjects and life skills
• Meeting EHCP outcomes through bespoke learning plans
• Navigating Local Authority reviews and EOTAS Packages
• Expert support and advice for parents and families.