Guide · For parents
My child has never been to school. Does the register cover us?
Yes, once the register is in force. It covers every child of compulsory school age who is not on a school roll, whether or not they ever attended. Today, you have no duty to tell the council anything.
Last checked 10 November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
The position today
If your child was never enrolled, there is nothing to deregister. You do not have to inform the council or get its consent. Government guidance recommends telling the council, but it is your choice.
Why this is the group the register is aimed at
Councils usually learn about home-educated children when a school reports a child leaving. A child who never started school is not reported by anyone. The register changes that by putting the duty to notify on parents.
When your child becomes eligible
A child is eligible when they live in the council's area, are of compulsory school age, and are not a registered pupil at a school.
Compulsory school age starts on the first of these dates after your child's fifth birthday: 31 December, 31 March or 31 August.
What you will have to do
Within 15 days of your child becoming eligible, you must notify the council and give the core details you hold:
- your child's name, date of birth and addresses
- each parent's name and address
- who provides the education
- estimated time educated by you and by others
What about children already of school age when the register starts?
The Act does not spell out how the 15 days will run for families who are already home educating on the day the register begins. Guidance should explain. Expect a clear start date and some notice.
What the council does next
Within 15 days of registering your child, the council must consider where your child lives. It may ask to visit. You are not obliged to agree. The Act says a refusal must be weighed if the council later considers the attendance order process.
If you move
You must tell the council within 15 days if your address changes, or if your child stops being eligible because you have left the area.