This page gives information about home education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Children with an EHCP
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and you home educate them, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) still has a duty to make sure your child's education needs are met.
We encourage you to stay in touch with the Special Educational Needs Assessment Team (SENAT) and take part in the annual review of your child's EHCP. The Elective Home Education (EHE) team also help with this.
The annual review is a chance to:
- talk about your plans for home learning
- hear from professionals who support your child
The review helps the SENAT decide if home education is suitable for your child and whether the EHCP should show that your child is learning at home.
Children attending a special school
If your child attends a special school and you want to home educate them, you must speak to the SENAT. This is because WSCC must make sure that you plan for and support your child's special needs.
Contact the SENAT (external link)If you ask to take your child out of a special school, SENAT will send you a letter. It will explain:
- what the law says about WSCC's legal duties
- what steps you need to follow
Applying for an EHCP
Parents and carers who are home educating and think their child might need an EHCP can apply for one. Find information about how to apply on our SEND Local Offer website.
Children who can't attend school
If your child cannot attend school because of their health needs, you can speak to the Fair Access team. Find information about how WSCC support children with ongoing health needs.
Help for families
West Sussex SENDIAS
You can get help from the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information and Advice Service (SENDIAS). This service has parent advisors who you can contact for advice and guidance. Find information about West Sussex SENDIAS.
Reaching Families
Reaching families is a charity that supports the families of children with SEND. They offer:
- information
- training
- peer support
See the Reaching Families website.
SEND Local Offer
You can find information about local services, support and events for children and young people from 0 to 25 years who have SEND. Visit the SEND Local Offer website.
West Sussex Disability Register
Families with SEND children and young people can sign up to the register, which is run by the library service. You can get discounts and information about local activities and events. Find more information about the disability register.
Sports for children with disabilities
The NHS provide advice to keep disabled children active. See their guide to accessible activities.
National Disability Sports Organisations
The National Disability Sport Organisations (NDSOs) help disabled people to get involved in sport and improve their skills if they want to. They also help the National Governing Bodies of sports to make sports more inclusive.
The NDSO's are: