Home Schooling|Insights
Empowering Families to Make the Right Choice
Every child’s educational journey is unique. While many thrive in a school setting, some — particularly those with additional needs — may not always receive the level of support that they need to learn and grow. For some children with special educational needs (SEND), education in any setting would be inappropriate. This is referred to education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) but includes early years and post-16 settings as well.
If it is deemed inappropriate for a child’s education to be delivered in a school, the LA can agree to arrange for it to be delivered somewhere else, for example at home. The LA must arrange and pay for that provision and families can request specific home tuition providers to ensure that their child receives a high-quality education.
At The Golden Circle, we understand the complexities of the UK’s EHCP system, and regularly support families through this process so they can navigate discussions with LAs or other professionals and Annual Reviews, informed and with confidence.
This article will look at:
- How home education works for children with an EHCP
- How funding and personal budgets can support a home schooling programme
- Practical steps to create a successful, supportive learning environment at home
- How The Golden Circle can guide you through each stage — from funding and Annual Reviews to access arrangements and exam results
What Is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan or EHCP is a legal document that outlines a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support they require, and the outcomes they are working towards. It ensures that children with additional needs receive the right help to learn and thrive.
EHCPs are for children and young people up to the age of 25 who need more support than a school or college can typically provide. They may include educational, health, or therapeutic provision such as one-to-one support or specialist therapies.
Local authorities are responsible for assessing a child’s needs and issuing EHCPs. Once a request is made, they must decide whether to issue a plan within 16 weeks, and parents have the right to appeal if it’s refused.
At The Golden Circle, our consultants regularly advise families on every stage of this process, helping parents navigate applications and communicate effectively with local authorities.
EHCP Funding for Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS)
An EOTAS package is a tailored educational programme for children and young people who cannot attend a mainstream or special school, funded by the local authority. These packages are detailed in Section F of the EHCP and can include a combination of:
- online schooling
- home tuition
- therapies
- mentoring
- life skills training
- careers advice
The specific provision is unique to each child’s needs and can be delivered through a direct commissioning arrangement by the local authority or a personal budget for parents to manage.
Expert guidance
We recommend that parents research and advocate for the right provider for their child.
Golden Circle Tutors works as a direct provider of home tuition for children with EHCPs across many London LAs.
We help families design home schooling programmes that fully align with their EHCP. We also help families navigate personal budgets so that every pound is used effectively to meet your child’s needs.
Creating a Nurturing and Effective Home Schooling Programme
Home schooling can offer a fully personalised learning environment where your child progresses at their own pace and builds confidence alongside academic skills. A successful programme aligns with your child’s EHCP, integrates any specialist support, and balances structured learning with wellbeing.
At The Golden Circle, we help families design home schooling programmes that are both academically rigorous and nurturing. We coordinate qualified teachers, manage timetables, and provide expert advice on exam entry and access arrangements for private candidates. This includes arranging EP assessments, completing Form 8 documentation, and liaising with exam centres to secure appropriate Access Arrangements. Our aim is to create an environment where children thrive and rediscover their love of learning, keeping all doors open for the next step on their academic journey.
Working with Specialist Teachers
When home schooling a child with an EHCP, choosing the right teachers is essential. Key considerations include:
- Full curriculum delivery: Teachers should be subject specialists, and ideally hold UK teaching qualifications.
- SEND expertise: They should hold experience supporting children with additional needs.
- Qualified and vetted: Teachers should be highly qualified, fully trained, and carefully screened for quality and reliability.
- Tailored matching: Each teacher should be selected to suit your child’s academic and emotional needs.
- Managed support: Home schooling managers should coordinate timetables, multiple teachers, and exam registration to ensure a smooth learning experience.
At The Golden Circle, this approach ensures that your child’s home education is effective, personalised, and fully aligned with their EHCP.
Next Steps: How The Golden Circle Can Help
Home schooling a child with an EHCP can feel complex, but The Golden Circle is here to guide you every step of the way:
- EHCP guidance: Help with applications, reviews, and liaising with local authorities.
- Funding support: Advice on personal budgets and how to use EHCP funds effectively.
- Programme design: Tailored home education plans aligned with your child’s needs.
- Teacher management: Coordination of specialist teachers, timetables, and exam registration.
- Holistic approach: Combining academic rigour with emotional support and wellbeing.
With our expert guidance, home schooling can be a transformative experience that allows your child to thrive academically and personally.
Please get in touch via the contact form if you wish to discuss your child’s unique needs in more detail: https://goldencircletutors.co.uk/contact-us/