Guide · For tutors, centres and groups
Reply template: answering a council request as a provider
Three letters follow. Pick the one that fits, replace the parts in square brackets, and keep a dated copy of what you send.
Last checked 10 November 2026. These are starting points, not legal advice. Have anything contentious checked before you send it.
Letter A: a request received before the duty is in force
[Your name or organisation] [Address] [Date]
Dear [name],
Thank you for your letter of [date] about [child's name or "children attending our sessions"].
I understand the provider duty in section 436E of the Education Act 1996 is not yet in force. Could you tell me which legal power your request is made under?
I take my data protection responsibilities to families seriously. Once I understand the basis for the request, I will respond promptly.
If your enquiry concerns the safety or welfare of a child, please say so, and I will deal with it at once.
Yours sincerely, [Name]
Letter B: a formal notice, and you are in scope
[Your name or organisation] [Address] [Date]
Your reference: [reference]
Dear [name],
I write in response to your notice dated [date], served under section 436E of the Education Act 1996.
I confirm that I provide out-of-school education to the following [child/children], as described in your notice.
Name Date of birth Home address Total time Time without a parent actively involved [ ] [ ] [ ] [hours per week] [hours per week] The times given cover the period [date] to [date].
This is the information the notice requires. Please confirm receipt.
Yours sincerely, [Name]
Letter C: a formal notice, and you believe you are not in scope
[Your name or organisation] [Address] [Date]
Your reference: [reference]
Dear [name],
I write in response to your notice dated [date], served under section 436E of the Education Act 1996.
I confirm that I do not provide, and have not in the previous three months provided, out-of-school education of the kind described in the notice.
[Choose what applies:] [The children I teach are registered pupils who attend school full-time.] [The time I provide is below the prescribed amount.] [A parent of each child is actively involved in the tuition or supervision throughout.]
Please confirm receipt, and let me know if you need anything further.
Yours sincerely, [Name]
Before you send
- Check every date of birth and address against your records. Incorrect information can be penalised.
- Send by email with a read receipt, or by recorded post.
- Note the deadline in the notice. It must be at least 15 days.
- Tell the family, unless there is a safeguarding reason not to.