Every child has the right to an education. It is the responsibility of the parent or carer of every school-age child to ensure this education is provided, either by enrolling the child in school or through alternative means. Home education is a valid option and a key part of parental choice, equally valid as sending a child to school. Home education is a right, provided that parents deliver an effective education that is appropriate for the child's age, ability, and aptitude. The Scottish Government issued Home Education guidance in 2004, which all Scottish councils follow. Each request regarding home education, whether it's about withdrawing a child from school or communication between Fife Council and a home-educating family, will be handled fairly, consistently, promptly, and accurately.
Home Education Process
To withdraw a child from school the parent/carer needs to request permission in writing or by E-mail. You can request withdrawal by emailing us at home.education@fife.gov.uk and providing the following information:
- Child's full name
- Child's date of birth
- Name of the school the child is currently attending
- Parent's name
- Address
- Parent's E-mail and phone number
We will acknowledge your request and ask you to provide an education plan (educational provision) for the child. The education plan doesn’t need to follow any set curriculum, but the Scottish Government does outline certain home education guidance requirements the that must be met.
We aim to issue a decision within 6 weeks of the receipt of the original application, this timescale might be longer when the schools are closed.
For any other enquires, please contact us via email at home.education@fife.gov.uk.
School Nursing services provided to home educated children
Each year, in accordance with the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978, health reviews are available for all school-aged children in Scotland. Primary one-aged children are specifically offered these reviews. If you would like your child to receive a health review or wish to discuss it further, please contact the School Nursing Service.
If you have any concerns about your child's health and well-being at any time, you can reach the School Nursing Service on 01592 729393.
Emotional Wellbeing
The emotional well-being of young people is important. As they grow, it's normal to encounter emotional challenges, and their mental health is just as vital as their physical health. Our website offers useful tips, resources, and information to support positive emotional well-being, along with links to local and national services if needed. You can find out more information at Our Minds Matter
Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood
The Relationships, Sexual Health & Parenthood (RSHP) resource www.rshp.scot offers a comprehensive set of learning activities for early learning settings, primary and secondary schools, ASN settings, colleges, and community-based learning. Aligned with Curriculum for Excellence Levels, the resource acknowledges that children and young people learn not only in formal settings but also at home. Recognizing parents and carers as a child's first and lifelong educators, the RSHP resource helps bridge this connection. Many learning activities include information that can be shared with families, along with book lists and information leaflets to support communication about RSHP learning at different levels.
Free Sanitary Products
Fife Council, with funding from the Scottish Government, provides free sanitary products for women and girls. These products are already available in schools and most public buildings. To help individuals find free products across Scotland, the Scottish Government, in collaboration with Hey Girls, has developed the PickUpMyPeriod app. The app is available for download on Android and Apple devices.
