Tallybook

Guide · For everyone

The register in Wales: what is different and when

Wales will get a children not in school register too. The Senedd agreed in March 2026 that the Act's home education measures should apply. They are not in force, and the Welsh Government has said the next administration will decide when and how to bring them in.

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

What applies to Wales

The Welsh Government's summary lists:

  • A register. Parents of home-educated children, and of children on agreed flexi-schooling arrangements, will have to provide information.
  • A provider duty. Certain out-of-school settings must give information to local authorities.
  • Consent to withdraw. Needed for a child on the child protection register or subject to child protection enquiries.
  • A revised attendance order process.
  • Home and learning environments. Local authorities must consider these when deciding whether a child should attend school.

What is different from England

  • Who decides the timing. Welsh Ministers, with regulations approved by the Senedd.
  • Separate regulations and guidance. Wales will consult on its own. Thresholds and details could differ from England's.
  • Additional learning needs. Wales uses individual development plans where England uses education, health and care plans.
  • The parent forums. The Act's duty to offer forums twice a year applies in England only.

The position in Wales today

  • You do not have to notify your local authority that you are home educating.
  • The Welsh Government says you must respond if the local authority contacts you about it.
  • To withdraw a child, you notify the school in writing.
  • You do not need permission, unless your child attends a special school.
  • The school must tell the local authority within ten days of removing your child's name.
  • You are not required to follow the national curriculum or a timetable.

What happens next

  1. The Welsh Government decides its timetable.
  2. It consults on regulations and guidance, with impact assessments.
  3. The Senedd approves the regulations.
  4. Local authorities prepare.
  5. The measures come into force.

Numbers

The Welsh Government reports 7,176 home-educated children known to local authorities in 2024 to 2025. In 2018 to 2019 the figure was 2,517.

Cross-border providers

A notice under the provider duty can ask about any child living in England or Wales. A tutor in Bristol with pupils in Newport, or the reverse, should keep records for both.

Sources