If you choose to educate your child at home, you must provide an education that is suitable for their age, ability and needs.
Home education is a legal alternative to school education. We follow Scottish Government guidance when considering home education requests.
Withdraw your child from school
To request to educate your child at home, email home.education@fife.gov.uk with:
- your child's full name
- your child's date of birth
- the name of their current school
- your name
- your address
- your email address
- your telephone number
We will acknowledge your request and ask you to provide an education plan.
Your education plan does not need to follow the school curriculum, but it must show how you will provide a suitable education for your child.
We aim to make a decision within 6 weeks of receiving your request. This may take longer during school holidays.
For general enquiries, email home.education@fife.gov.uk.
Health support
School nursing service
Home educated children can access school nursing services, including health reviews.
To speak to a school nurse:
- Dunfermline and West Fife: 01383 627045
- Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth: 01592 645220
- Glenrothes and North East Fife: 01592 765081
Contact the service if you have concerns about your child's health or wellbeing.
Vaccinations
Home educated children and young people can receive the same routine vaccinations offered in schools.
Vaccinations may include:
- HPV vaccine
- teenage booster (tetanus, diphtheria and polio)
- MMR vaccine
- other routine childhood vaccinations, if needed
Contact NHS Fife Community Immunisation Service
Phone: 01383 565 456 (Option 5)
Email: fife.immunisationqueries@nhs.scot
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:45pm
Appointments are usually offered at community clinics across Fife.
Find out more about vaccinations on NHS Inform.
Wellbeing and learning support
Emotional wellbeing
Support, advice and local services for children and young people's mental wellbeing are available through Our Minds Matter.
Relationships, sexual health and parenthood
The RSHP resource provides information and learning materials for parents, carers and young people.
Free period products
Free sanitary products are available in schools and many public buildings across Fife.
You can find your nearest collection point using the PickUpMyPeriod app, available on Android and Apple devices.
Resources for home educators
Useful links
- Home Education Guidance
- Home Education 7 Minute Briefing
- Home Education Scotland
- www.scothomeed.co.uk
- Libraries & Archives - OnFife
- Mental Health in for for children and young people
- Mental health info for parents and carers
- Five ways to wellbeing
Contact us: home.education@fife.gov.uk
