FAQs
Can my child attend school part time?
Yes. Part time attendance at a government or non-government school concurrent with a home education program is available at the discretion of the principal of the school. A clear understanding of the roles, responsibilities and accountability issues of each person in the partnership should be documented.
Are there any fees or charges for home education?
No. Registration for home education in the ACT does not attract a fee.
How much freedom do I have in conducting the home education?
Home education provides the opportunity for the parents to develop their own philosophy of education, drawing on the family's values, religious and cultural beliefs and research.
There are a number of broad philosophies of home education and a range of learning strategies that can be trialled by parents as they establish an approach that best suits the needs of each child.
Details of the documentation required demonstrating that the parents are providing a high quality education is contained in the manual. The registration visit provides confirmation that the parents are providing a high quality education. The parents and registered children meet with an authorised person to discuss how the home education is meeting the educational needs of each child.
How will my privacy be respected?
All home education records of the Education and Training Directorate are kept in a student record folder by the Non-government Education Section according to the Privacy Act 1988 and access is limited to section staff and directorate executive.
Does my child have access to benchmark testing?
The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is used in ACT public government schools to assess children in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 against nationally recognised benchmarks. Home educators are eligible to nominate their child every second year.
Further information on the NAPLAN program is included in the department's information on Year K-10 Assessment and Reporting or by contacting the Manager, Assessment and Reporting on (02) 6205 0970.
How do I cancel home education?
Parents of provisionally registered and registered children who no longer wish to educate their child at home, are to notify the Manager, Non-government Education Section on (02) 6205 9301 of this decision.
If the child is of compulsory school age, the parent must enrol the child in a school within 14 school term days. There is a guaranteed place available for your child at the government school in your priority enrolment area. Details of priority placement areas.
