If you’re educating your child outside of school, you’ve probably heard about Local Authority (LA) Education Provision Reports. But what are they, what are the legal implications, and how can you navigate the process? Read on to find out.
What Are Local Authority Education Provision Reports?
Local Authorities in the UK have a legal duty to ensure that children and young people in their area are receiving a suitable education — whether that’s at school, at home, or a mix of both. As part of this responsibility, they may ask parents or guardians to provide information about their child’s education, especially if the child is not enrolled full-time in a school, is flexi-schooled, or has recently been deregistered.
These reports are an opportunity to demonstrate how your child is learning and progressing, and to show that your child’s education is appropriate to their age and ability.
What Does the Law Say?
There’s no set format or timetable for these reports, but the law states that Local Authorities can make informal enquiries to ensure education is suitable. Some LAs request annual reports or updates, whereas others may ask for information more or less frequently.
Importantly, as a parent, you have the right to decide what information to provide. There’s no legal requirement to submit formal reports unless specifically requested by your LA. However, submitting a clear report can make communication easier and show your commitment to your child’s education.
We’re Here to Help: Tailored Support for Your Education Provision Reports
Whether your Local Authority has asked for a report, you want to proactively send updates, or you’ve been asked follow-up questions, we can help. We offer two separate services — please read more about these services below:
Education Provision Report
Our Education Provision Report service includes a full write-up based on your answers to our questionnaire, with follow-up questions from us if we need a little more detail to understand your provision. The final report is delivered as a ready-to-submit PDF, written in a clear tone that reflects your approach. One round of revisions is included, and if your Local Authority comes back with follow-up questions, we’ll provide a response report at no extra cost.
Follow-Up Response
Our Follow-Up Response includes a personalised written reply to any additional questions from your Local Authority, based on the content of your original report. It’s clearly laid out to clarify key points and delivered as a professional, LA-ready document.
Whatever your situation or however much support you’d like, our Education Provision Report Service makes it easier to communicate effectively with your Local Authority, freeing you up to focus on your child’s learning.
Find out more about our Education Provision Report Writing Service here
If you have questions or would like to discuss your specific needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help!