How to Stay Safe if Meeting the Local Authority

Meeting with your Local Authority (LA) can feel daunting, particularly for home educating families who may be unsure of their rights and responsibilities. While some interactions are positive, others can become pressured or overreaching. This guide is designed to help you stay informed, confident, and safe when engaging with the LA.

THE LAW HAS NOT CHANGED YET, VISITS ARE STILL OPTIONAL, DO NOT ALLOW YOUR LA TO MISLEAD YOU. HAVING A VISIT NOW BEFORE THE LAWS ARE UP AND RUNNING WILL NOT BE A BENEFIT TO YOU.

Remember: You Are Not Obliged to Meet

There is no legal requirement for you to meet with the LA in person. Communication can be conducted in writing, which often provides a clearer record and reduces the risk of misunderstanding or pressure.

If a meeting is demanded, or booked without your input, then consider whether the LAs intentions are honest.

You do not have to meet the LA to keep them happy, or be in fear that saying no will be used against you. 

If you do choose to meet, it should be because you feel it is appropriate—not because you feel compelled.

Keep Everything in Writing Where Possible

Written communication protects you. It creates an accurate record of what has been said, agreed, or requested. 

Providing a written response to the LA informal enquiries is not as stressful or complex as you may think, our report writing guide can actually take longer to read through than the time needed to write a 1-2 page report. 

Do Not Allow Unplanned Home Visits

You are not required to allow LA officers into your home. If the LA turn up unannounced we advise asking them to email you so you can consider your options. Do not let anyone into your home without an appointment.

Agreeing to a home visit can set a precedent that may be difficult to reverse later.

Risks include:

• Changing staff or policies leading to different expectations

• Informal observations being recorded as formal concerns

• Increased pressure for future access

If you do agree to a meeting, consider a neutral location instead.

Where and When to Meet?

If you have considered your options carefully, and are sure a meeting is the choice you want to make, you should consider:

• Meeting somewhere neutral
• Virtual rather than in person. 
  
  
• You do not have to accept the time and day offered to you if it is inconvenient, you can set those details. 
• Your home is often you and your child's safe space, is inviting a stranger in to it the best way of responding to the LA enquiries?
• You can refuse entry if someone different turns up, or they bring other people.
  
  
• Set a clear time limit when the meeting starts. Tell them you only have half an hour/an hour available. 
• Be prepared to ask them to leave,  you may need to be firm, some LA staff will attempt to stay for many hours, refusing to leave when asked. 

Bring a Witness or Advocate

Never attend a meeting alone if possible. Bring someone you trust, such as:

• A partner or family member

• A friend

• An experienced home educating parent

Their presence can:

• Provide support

• Help you remember what was said

• Act as an independent witness if disputes arise

You Control the Information You Provide

The LA will want to know how your child is receiving a full-time and suitable education (suitable to your child, not any preset criteria) —but you are not required to provide excessive detail, copies of 'work', future plans, or intrusive personal information.

Be cautious about:

• Over sharing

• Providing ongoing updates beyond what is necessary

• Allowing conversations to drift into unrelated areas

• The LA person may purposely ask questions that are overstepping, refusing to answer can be used as a concern against you, knowing the law before hand can prevent these becoming an issue. 
  
  
• They may purposefully 'forget' to ask some information, giving them the opportunity to come back, or keep asking for more information. Make sure you have provided the below info.
  
  
• Writing a report or notes using our guide beforehand can help keep things on topic. 
• You do not have to allow them to question your child, your child does not have to 'perform' or even be present. 

Stick to what is legally required:

• Information on how the education is full time (doesn't have to be school hours or terms) this includes non-formal learning and independent learning time. 
  
  
• What has been learned, especially in numeracy and literacy.
  
  
• How things were learned.
• What progress they have made (remember this is about the child, not school related expectations). 
  
  
• How the learning is suitable to the child's age, ability, aptitude and SEN
  
  
• What social opportunities they have (remember this again must be suitable to the child). 
  
  
• Your philosophy and the style you follow.

You do not have to:

• Have or show a timetable
  
  
• Produce or share any 'work' the child has completed. 
  
  
• Have the child present
  
  
• Allow them to look around the house

Do Not Be Pressured Into Immediate Decisions

You are entitled to time to consider any requests made during a meeting.

If something is suggested or requested:

• Say you will consider it
• Ask for it in writing
• Seek advice before responding

Pressure in meetings can lead to agreements you may later regret.

Record the Meeting

If you attend a meeting, consider recording it. In the UK, it is generally lawful to record conversations you are part of.

Alternatively:

• Take detailed notes
• Ask your witness to take notes

After the meeting, send a written summary to the LA confirming your understanding.

Be Aware of Changing Circumstances

Even if your current LA contact is supportive, situations can change due to:

• Staff turnover
• Policy changes
• Management direction

What begins as a friendly relationship can shift over time. Avoid setting precedents that could later be used against you.

Keep Boundaries Clear

It is important to maintain professional boundaries:

• You are not required to justify your reason for home educating
• You are not required to follow school-based approaches
• You are not required to accept informal expectations as legal requirements

If something does not feel right, question it.

The EHE visit is NOT a safeguarding visit, they are not entitled to look around your house, or quiz the child alone. 

Seek Support and Reliable Information

Before attending any meeting, ensure you are informed about your rights and responsibilities.

Avoid relying solely on social media advice, which can often be inconsistent or incorrect. Instead, use our trusted sources and guidance.

Read this article to fully ensure you have considered the risks.  

Final Thoughts

Meeting the LA should never feel like entering into a situation where your rights are unclear or your position is weakened. By staying informed, maintaining clear boundaries, and prioritising written communication, you can protect both your family and your educational choices.

Remember: you are responsible for your child’s education, and you have the right to do so without unnecessary intrusion.

For further guidance, refer to the report writing guide and legal resources available throughout the website.