Education

• 01. Introduction

• Most parents are happy with their child s education. But when things go wrong, parents often feel that their child's happiness, wellbeing and life chances are at stake. This leaflet explains what you and your child can expect from a school and from your...

• 02. What choice of school do I have for my child?

• You are allowed to say which state school you'd like your child to attend. If you are applying at the normal time that a child starts school, your local education authority may limit the number of schools you can apply to. If you are applying at another...

• 03. When does my child have to go to school?

• Children must receive education: from the start of the term after their fifth birthday; and until the third Friday in June in the school year in which they turn 16. Some children are educated out of school by the local education authority. You are...

• 04. Can I teach my child at home?

• You do not usually need permission to teach your child at home. However, if your child is already at school, you should first tell the school in writing that they won't be going to school. The only time you need permission to take your child off the school...

• 05. What will my child be taught at school?

• All state-maintained schools must provide the national curriculum. This sets out what most children should be taught. However, a school can 'except' (remove) your child from some or all of the national curriculum for a short time if they think this is best...

• 06. What should I be told about my child and their progress?

• Schools must give you a written report on your child at least once a year. This must include information on their: progress in all the national curriculum subjects they have studied; progress in other subjects and activities; general progress and...

• 07. What do I have to pay for at school?

• Education must be free at all state- maintained schools and in other educational organisations that the local education authority pays for (for example, pupil-referral units and some nursery schools). Schools and local education authorities can charge you...

• 08. What can I do if my child is being bullied?

• Your child's school must have a discipline policy which includes what it does to stop bullying. If your child is bullied, you should tell the school straightaway. Legally, the school must do all it reasonably can to protect children from bullying. The school...

• 09. What rights does the school have to discipline my child?

• All schools must have a governors' statement on how children should behave. Schools must speak or write to parents before they change this. The school's discipline policy and any school rules must be based on this statement. The head teacher must tell you...

• 10. What happens if my child can't go to school?

• Local education authorities must provide education for children who cannot go to school. Normally, a child cannot go to school if they: have been excluded; are ill; or have been injured. The education could be, for example, at a: hospital...

• 11. What say do I have in how the school is run?

• You have the right to vote for parent governors to represent you on the school governing body. You can also stand for election as a parent governor yourself. Schools must talk with you and other parents about changes to: the home-school agreement (see...

• 12. How can I get the right education for my child if they have special needs?

• All schools must have a complaints procedure. If you want to make a complaint, you should ask your child's school for a copy and follow the procedure in it as a first step. You should usually complain to a senior teacher or the head teacher first. If they...

• 13. Where can I complain if I am not happy about my child's school or education?

• A child has special needs and should get help at school if they: have significantly more difficulty in learning than other children of the same age; have a disability which affects how they can use educational facilities that are usually provided for...

• 14. Further Help

• DfES Publications Centre phone: 0845 602 2260 The website of DfES Publications Centre National Assembly for Wales phone: 029 2082 6078 The website of The National Assembly for Wales ...