Guide · For tutors, centres and groups
Forest schools, clubs and enrichment groups: are you in scope?
It depends on whether what you run counts as "structured education", and that has not been pinned down. A forest school with planned sessions is more likely to count than a drop-in play session. Even then, you are only caught above a time threshold that is still to be set.
Last checked 10 November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
The wording that matters
The Act covers any programme or course of education, or any other kind of structured education, outside a school. It does not list subjects. It does not say education has to be academic.
Where groups are likely to fall
These are our readings, not official positions.
| Type of group | Likely to count as structured education? |
|---|---|
| Forest school with a planned programme | Likely |
| Weekly science, art or language class | Likely |
| Music or drama tuition | Likely |
| Sports coaching | Unclear |
| Scouts, Guides and similar | Unclear |
| Open play session or social meet-up | Unlikely |
Guidance is expected to say more. Regulations can also create exceptions.
Counting as education is only the first step
You would also need all of these:
- the child is home educated or flexi-schooled
- they spend more than the prescribed amount of time with you
- no parent is actively involved during that time
- a council sends you a notice
A two-hour weekly session is a small share of a child's week. Depending on where the threshold lands, many enrichment groups will fall below it.
Groups that take children for whole days
Some outdoor and alternative settings take home-educated children for several full days a week. Those are the likeliest to be in scope.
They should also look at a separate rule. The Act widens what counts as an independent school. A setting giving full-time education to five or more children can be required to register. Our article on full-time settings explains.
What to do now
- Keep a sign-in sheet with arrival and leaving times.
- Mark which parents stayed and took part.
- Watch for the consultation, and respond if your kind of group needs an exception.