Tallybook

Guide · For parents

How to answer a council enquiry about your child's education

Reply in writing, within the time given, with a short account of what your child is actually doing and the progress they are making. That is what satisfies most councils. You are not legally obliged to answer an informal enquiry, but not answering is the commonest route to a formal notice.

Last checked 10 November 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

First, work out what you have received

An informal enquiry. A letter or form asking about your child's education. No legal duty to respond.

A formal notice. It will cite the Education Act 1996 and give a deadline of at least 15 days. You need to respond to this. If you do not, the council can conclude the education is unsuitable and move to an attendance order.

What councils are told to look for

Government guidance tells councils that useful evidence shows:

  • what is actually being provided
  • the progress expected
  • the progress achieved

It also says a statement of intent, or a description of your approach alone, is not enough.

What to send

One or two pages covering:

  1. Your child's age and any particular needs.
  2. What they are learning, with specific examples.
  3. The resources, groups and tutors you use.
  4. Roughly how their time is spent.
  5. Progress since you started or since your last report.

A few samples or photographs help. They are optional.

What you don't have to do

  • complete the council's own form, if you would prefer to write your own report
  • agree to a home visit or a meeting
  • provide a report from a qualified teacher
  • show a timetable or follow the National Curriculum

Councils are told not to set rigid criteria.

Tone and practicalities

  • Be factual and brief.
  • Send it by a method you can prove.
  • Keep a copy.
  • If you need more time, ask in writing before the deadline.

If the council is not satisfied

Ask it to say specifically what concerns it. Then address those points. If a formal notice follows, get advice.

Once the register starts

Register information is a separate thing. It covers names, addresses, who provides the education and how much time. Giving it does not replace showing that the education is suitable, and the reverse is also true.

Sources