Home education

Every child has the right to an education. It is the responsibility of the parent or carer of every school-age child to ensure this education is provided, either by enrolling the child in school or through alternative means. Home education is a valid option and a key part of parental choice, equally valid as sending a child to school. Home education is a right, provided that parents deliver an effective education that is appropriate for the child's age, ability, and aptitude. The Scottish Government issued Home Education guidance in 2004, which all Scottish councils follow. Each request regarding home education, whether it's about withdrawing a child from school or communication between Fife Council and a home-educating family, will be handled fairly, consistently, promptly, and accurately.

Home education process

To withdraw a child from school the parent/carer needs to request permission in writing or by E-mail. You can request withdrawal by emailing us at home.education@fife.gov.uk and providing the following information:

Child's full name
Child's date of birth
Name of the school the child is currently attending
Parent's name
Address
Parent's E-mail and phone number

We will acknowledge your request and ask you to provide an education plan (educational provision) for the child. The education plan doesn’t need to follow any set curriculum, but the Scottish Government does outline certain home education guidance requirements the that must be met.

We aim to issue a decision within 6 weeks of the receipt of the original application, this timescale might be longer when the schools are closed.

For any other enquires, please contact us via email at home.education@fife.gov.uk.

School nursing services provided to home educated children

Each year, in accordance with the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978, health reviews are available for all school-aged children in Scotland. Primary one-aged children are specifically offered these reviews. If you would like your child to receive a health review or wish to discuss it further, please contact the School Nursing Service.

If you have any concerns about your child's health and wellbeing at any time, you can reach the School Nursing Service on:

01383 627 045, Dunfermline and West Fife

01592 645 220, Kirkcaldy and Levenmouth

01592 765 081, Glenrothes and North East Fife

Vaccination support for home educated children & young people

Overview

NHS Fife Community Immunisation Service offers routine childhood & adolescent vaccination for children & young people who are home educated and may not receive vaccinations through the school-based immunisation programme.

Our team provides safe and convenient opportunities for home educated children to the same vaccinations that are offered in schools.

Why is this offered?

Children who are home educated may not attend school vaccination sessions. This service ensures they still have access to important routine immunisations that protect against serious infectious diseases.

What vaccinations may be offered

Depending on age and vaccination history, this may include:

HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus)
Teenage booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio-TD/IPV)
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), if not previously received
Other routine childhood vaccinations, if required

Eligibility and vaccine type will be confirmed by the immunisation team.

The complete list and explanation of the vaccines available can be accessed via the E-Mail below.

Who to contact

NHS Fife Community Immunisation Service

How to contact

Phone: 01383 565 456 Option 5

E-Mail: fife.immunisationqueries@nhs.scot

Operating hours

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:45pm

Locations

Vaccinations are usually offered at community clinics across Fife, such as:

Community Clinics
Other NHS Fife sites as arranged
Exact clinic details will be provided when an appointment is arranged

More information

Further information about vaccinations can be found at: www.nhsinform.scot/immunisation

Emotional wellbeing

The emotional well-being of young people is important. As they grow, it's normal to encounter emotional challenges, and their mental health is just as vital as their physical health. Our website offers useful tips, resources, and information to support positive emotional well-being, along with links to local and national services if needed. You can find out more information at Our Minds Matter

Relationships, sexual health and parenthood

The Relationships, Sexual Health & Parenthood (RSHP) resource www.rshp.scot offers a comprehensive set of learning activities for early learning settings, primary and secondary schools, ASN settings, colleges, and community-based learning. Aligned with Curriculum for Excellence Levels, the resource acknowledges that children and young people learn not only in formal settings but also at home. Recognizing parents and carers as a child's first and lifelong educators, the RSHP resource helps bridge this connection. Many learning activities include information that can be shared with families, along with book lists and information leaflets to support communication about RSHP learning at different levels.

Free sanitary products

Fife Council, with funding from the Scottish Government, provides free sanitary products for women and girls. These products are already available in schools and most public buildings. To help individuals find free products across Scotland, the Scottish Government, in collaboration with Hey Girls, has developed the PickUpMyPeriod app. The app is available for download on Android and Apple devices.

Resources, approaches and research for home educators

Fife Home Education Resource