<back to Homeschooling info
Who should I contact about homeschool registration?
Contact your local authority for legal details about homeschooling / home education in your state.
Home education Registration - not a dificult process
Contrary to popular opinion, registering your children is NOT a difficult process. We registered our children last year and found the process to be straight forward and the staff at the HEU very helpful.
You simply need to read what the information says, fill out a registration form, submit your weekly, monthly & yearly plan on the form provided and follow the HEU's directions.
They are helpful to homeschooling parents but like most organisations they require you to present your information to them like they ask you to
- Don't be put off, ask questions & follow simple instructions it is very easy.
- We have provided this information direct from their website.
- If in doubt give us a call or email us and we will help you.
Rights & responsibilities
We are privileged to have a free country which supports our right to educate our children at home.
With this right comes the responsibility of doing an good job and that is all registration is about. The fact is that most homeschooling families provide and excellent education for their children. The Home Education Unit simply asks families to submit a plan of what is going to happen through the year and then to report on how the children went. The HEU just need YOUR PLAN submitted in THEIR LANGUAGE -its that simple!
This is why we researched a program which covers everything that is taught in schools and MUCH MORE. The awesome thing is that as homeschoolers / home educators WE choose the style and the environment in which this learning takes place. Our resources can easily be adapted to many styles of home education including natural learning, school at home, classical homeschooling, eclectic and even Montessori. The important thing is the environment in which children learn, and that job falls on individual parents.
Queenland Home Education unit
This information has been sourced from the Queensland Home Education Unit. (HEU) We have found it very useful for answering question from parents as to the legalities of Home education in Queensland.
Queensland home education legislation:
A significant provision in The Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 included the recognition of home education as a legitimate alternative when considering the education of children.
In Queensland, a parent must ensure that any child of compulsory school age is enrolled at and attends a state school or non-state school or if in the compulsory participation phase is participating in an eligible option. Registration for Home Education is another way in which a parent may meet this obligation. This registration is only valid if made through the Home Education Unit, Office of Non-State Education, Department of Education, Training and the Arts.
Note:
Compulsory school age means a child is at least 6 years (6.5 years from 2008) of age and less than 16 years of age or has completed Year 10, whichever happens first.
Compulsory participation phase starts when the person stops being of compulsory school age and ends when the person gains a senior certificate, certificate III or certificate IV; or has participated in eligible options for 2 years after the person stopped being of compulsory age; or turns 17 years.]
References to these conditions can be found in sections 176 and 239 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006(new window) . Our Home Education policy statement is also available for viewing.
What is Home Education?
Home education is where a child has an individually tailored education provided by a parent. This learning, though based from the child's home, is enhanced through the use of a variety of community resources. These include libraries, museums, art galleries, zoos, sports and recreational clubs, religious facilities, local school connections and human resources.
Home education is a legal option in Queensland. If a child is registered for home education with the Home Education Unit of the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA), they do not have to be enrolled at a school. In fact a child cannot be enrolled at a school and be registered for home education at the same time.
Do I have to register my child for home education if we live in Queensland?
Yes. If you wish to home educate your child and they are of compulsory school age or they are in the compulsory participation phase you must apply for and be granted registration. Various commercial companies and interstate bodies offer 'registration' and 'enrolment' and, while you may choose to pay for their services or materials, it is still necessary to register for home education through the Home Education Unit.
Registration is free.
What is the compulsory school age?
Compulsory school age in Queensland means the child is at least 6 years of age and less than 16 years of age or has completed Year 10, whichever happens first.
What is the compulsory participation phase?
The compulsory participation phase starts when a young person stops being of compulsory school age and ends when the person gains a senior certificate, certificate III or certificate IV, or has participated in an eligible option for two years after compulsory school age; or turns 17 years.
What is an eligible option?
An eligible option is provided by learning institutions such as state schools and non-state schools, universities, TAFE institutes or registered training organisations.
My child is in the compulsory participation phase, not enrolled at a school and not learning in an eligible option. Should they be registered for home education?
Yes. They should be registered until 17 when the compulsory participation phase ends.
Can my child study one or two subjects at a learning institution, including a state or non-state school, and still be registered for home education?
Yes. While a child is registered for home education they cannot be enrolled at a school. However an agreement may be entered into between the school's principal, parent and child that allows the child to access some subjects at the school. Such an arrangement is at the discretion of the school's principal. A school may require the payment of a fee for provision of the education service. Other non-school forms of education may be accessed without affecting registration.
Who can home educate a child?
A parent of a child has a right to choose to home educate a child instead of enrolling them at a school. With this right comes the responsibility of registering the child with the Office of Non- State Education.
I am the carer of my grandchild. Can I home educate them?
Yes. The definition of "parent " is broad and covers a variety of carers. If you are the child's chief carer, you can apply to register your grandchild and be responsible for their education.
Can I return my child to a state or a non-state school at any time?
Yes. Registration does not limit you from seeking entry or re-entry to a state school or non-state school at any time. Normal enrolment procedures apply. If you choose to discontinue the home program for any reason, you must notify the Home Education Unit and you are required to return the child's registration certificate.
What's the difference between home education and Distance Education?
With home education, parents develop or adapt their own program for their child. Parents are responsible for conducting learning activities, accessing educational resources, setting assessment tasks and monitoring the child's progress. This learning, though based from the child's home, is enhanced through the use of a variety of community resources. These include, libraries, museums, art galleries, zoos, sports and recreational clubs, religious facilities, local school connections and human resources.
Distance education through a registered school provides a program for the child. A child is enrolled and registered teachers help monitor their learning. The school provides learning materials, requires students to respond to certain learning tasks, assesses student work and monitors educational progress. The parent is the supervisor or home tutor to the child within their home.
Our family wants to travel around Australia; can we apply to register our child for home education during this time?
Yes. A child can be registered for home education in Queensland providing that their usual address is in Queensland. Alternately a program can be arranged with a school of distance education.
Who grants registration for my child?
A parent who wants to home educate their child must obtain registration for their child from the Director, Office of Non-State Education. The Home Education Unit is the contact point for parents wishing to register a child.
What's DETA?
DETA stands for Department of Education, Training and the Arts. The Office of Non-State Education is a division of DETA. The Home Education Unit is a section of the Office of Non-State Education.
Are there fees I need to pay when I register to home educate my child?
No. Registration for home education is free.
What's the difference between 'home schooling' and 'home education'?
The term 'home schooling' gives the perception of a 'school at home' and learning only in the home. The more modern term 'home education' encompasses a broader concept of learning experiences based in and from the home. Essentially there may be no difference in the two terms and they are often interchanged in current conversations and readings.
Does my child stay at school until registration is granted?
No. As you apply for registration you will need to end the enrolment at the school. Provisional registration, as an interim, measure provides the legal status for your child to be home educated.
If I am asked why my child is not at school, what documentation can I provide as proof that I have registered my child for home education?
- a letter granting provisional registration is issued in the early stages indicating you have applied to register your child for home education
- a Certificate of Registration is issued once a registration is granted
- a Certificate of Currency is issued each year. Without this certificate the Certificate of registration will cease to be valid after the first year
- · an ID card if you choose to request one
Will the Home Education Unit provide a program for my child?
No. Home educating parents develop or adapt a program for their child. If a parent wants a provided program then they would need to explore enrolling the child in a school of distance education or from a supplier of such programs.
If I need more information or help devising a program for my child should I contact the Home Education Unit?
Yes. An education advisor at the Unit will be able to offer suggestions, directions and resource information.
Can I purchase a ready made program for my child?
Yes. Be aware that this can be a costly and unnecessary approach to home education. Various commercial organisations sell curriculum materials, offer 'education certificates' and 'enrolments' and provide a range of support services for home educating families. While parents may choose to use these companies' services and purchase their materials for use as part of their child's program, it is still necessary to register for home education through the Home Education Unit.
Some ready made programs may not set specific goals related to a child's individual needs. It is necessary for a parent to decide, and advise the Home Education Unit, how ready made resources would be adapted to form part of the program for the child's home education.
Can I purchase a program from the Home Education Unit?
No. We offer advice and generally refer you to materials that are available free online. The Unit may mail some resources if you do not have email or internet access.
Can I use textbooks to teach my child?
Yes. Many programs that are submitted to the Unit have a textbook component as part of the whole program. Choosing if you will use textbooks is part of the decisions you will make as you develop a program for your child
click this link to view textbook choices
Who can teach my child?
The parent who registers the child is ultimately responsible for the child's education. However, the actual teaching may involve many persons. For example a parent may choose to pay for swimming lessons, employ a registered teacher, a music teacher or a tutor to assist with aspects of the program. Members of the child's extended family may also play an important role in their education.
What criteria are used to determine whether a registration is granted?
Registration is granted following the successful presentation of documentation that shows evidence that the adapted or developed educational program or learning philosophy you intend to use with your child:
a. has regard to the age, ability, aptitude and development of the child concerned;
b. takes account and promotes continuity of the learning experiences of the child concerned;
c. is responsive to the changing needs of the child concerned;
d. reflects and takes into account current understandings related to educational and
other development of children;
e. is responsive to the child 's need for social development;
f. is supported by sufficient and suitable resources;
g. is conducted in an environment conducive to learning.
What are some sample approaches to documenting learning programs?
Ideas about planning your child's program and the type of information that might be written to document a program can evolve through discussions with an education advisor at the Home Education Unit. It is difficult to be very specific for several reasons: some parents may feel restricted if we provide a set pro forma and too much of 'our voice' would mean that the program is not tailored by you to meet the individual needs of your child. Specific guidelines are available if you request them.
A Parent Planning Guide is available on this website.
Am I eligible for financial assistance from the Department of Education, Training and the Arts because I am home schooling my child?
No.
Is my child issued an ID Card?
Yes. Arrangements can be made with the Home Education Unit to issue an ID card for your child. The card is valid for a year and expires on the anniversary date each year. It is necessary for you to email an electronic photo of your child to the Unit.
Am I eligible for a textbook allowance for my child?
Yes. A textbook and resources allowance (TRA) is payable to a parent whose child is registered for home education and if they are studying the equivalent Years 8 to 12. Once a registration is complete or once a continuing registration is complete, a parent is notified by the Home Education Unit of the potential payment and arrangements are made. If a child is registered part way through a year having previously been enrolled at a school, a parent would not be eligible for a TRA payment for that year as it would have already been paid to the school.
Is it possible for my child to sit for the Year 3, 5 or 7 literacy and numeracy tests?
Yes. Provided your child has registration for home education and permission from a school principal for your child to take part in the tests at the school site, your child is able to sit for the Years 3, 5 or 7 tests. You will require a letter of introduction from the Home Education Unit. Prior to the tests in August all parents with children in these year levels are contacted with written information about the process.
Can my child access dental services if they are registered for home education?
Yes. If requested, the Home Education Unit will make arrangements through the School Dental Services and provide your child with a letter of introduction to be presented to the Oral Health Unit nearest your home. Appointments are then made by you directly with the Oral Health Unit.
Can my child participate in Work Experience?
Yes. As the educator of your child, it will be your responsibility to make all the contacts and arrangements for this work experience. The Department of Education, Training and the Arts will provide WorkCover for your child. A form and information about this cover is available from HEU.
Will my child receive an OP if they continue to home educate to Year 12?
No. If you want your child to receive an OP, you should contact a school of distance education, state school or non-state school and enrol the young person for years 11 and 12. TAFE also offer courses of study that may lead to the granting of an OP.
Will my child be able to access a school based apprenticeship?
No. They would need to return to the school system for this option
Is Youth Allowance available to home educated students?
Yes, in some circumstances. An application is assessed through Centrelink and is subject to their policy in relation to family income. Centrelink will not pay Youth Allowance to a family of a home educated child unless the child is registered for home education. The Home Education Unit does not seek out information on your entitlements. If Centrelink does pay a youth allowance it simply requires confirmation of the registration from the Home Education Unit each term.
Is Assistance for Isolated Children available to home educated students?
Yes, in some circumstances. An application is assessed through Centerlink and is subject to their policy. The Home Education Unit does not seek out information on your entitlements.
Through the Home Education Unit, a learning account is opened for my registered child when they turn 15 and as they enter the senior phase of learning. Why do they do this?
It is a requirement that all Queensland children in this age group have a learning account opened for them with Queensland Studies Authority. Banking of credits in this account allows the young person to be eligible for a Queensland Certificate of Education.
What is the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)?
The QCE is a qualification awarded to young people at the completion of the compulsory participation phase, usually at the end of Year 12 (or later if not complete by then). It confirms a student's achievement of:
· a significant amount of learning
· a set standard of achievement
· meeting literacy and numeracy requirements.
What is a 'learning account'?
All learning undertaken within the guidelines that surround the allocation of a QCE is recorded in a learning account opened with the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA). These achievements then convert to credits. As activities and studies are completed, the credits are banked. When it reaches a total of 20 (with at least 12 of these coming from 'core studies') a student is eligible for the QCE. A learning account remains open until the learning requirements are met and closes as soon as a QCE is awarded. An account can remain open indefinitely if learning credits are not being banked. Banking can occur even after the young person has left the school or home schooling environment.
Can my child get a QCE if they are registered for home education?
Although the work your child does at home is not directly transferable to the QCE, by participating in various moderated activities, your child can earn credit points which can be 'banked' towards this certificate. Obtaining a pass in the following learning activities may enable home educated children to bank points towards the QCE:
· subjects taken in the Senior External Examination
· VET Certificates I-IV
· diploma or advanced diploma courses via TAFE or private providers
· university courses/subjects/units
· employment skills development programs
· recognized certificates or awards e.g. music, drama and sport
· negotiated Workplace, Community or Self-directed Project
What is a negotiated Workplace, Community or Self-directed project?
This is a new area of learning that can count towards the QCE. A young person, school or community organization can work with a QSA delegate to develop a learning project. This will count as a single credit when the negotiated learning has taken place and evidence of learning has been validated by the QSA delegate.
About the child's report
Will my child's progress be monitored?
Yes. You will monitor your child's progress. Also, if you employ or engage a teacher you should request information on the progress of your child. Arrangements are up to you but it may be reasonable to request frequent feedback and a report twice a year from that teacher.
Why should I provide HEU with our child's assessment — I am already doing this at home?
This legislation is about ensuring that the great job you do as home educators is backed up by evidence of your child's work. Assessment of students' learning via work samples and other means is required by all teaching professionals, and it is part of the respect accorded to the professional job that you do as home educators, that you would supply the same.
The new legislation is about respecting your right to home educate your child, while recognising the right of each child to have a high quality education. Through work samples, your report, will track your child's progress and assist you to set annual goals around their learning.
Assessment materials, such as a folio of work, will also be invaluable evidence of your child 's education should they seek employment, TAFE or tertiary education. The Home Education Unit can assist you with ideas about assessment, record keeping and reporting.
What sort of information will I need to provide in my child's report?
As you develop your child's program you will establish goals or outcomes that you seek to achieve for the year. Around these goals you will develop learning experiences for your child. From these learning experiences your child will produce many fine examples of their learning. These examples will include stories, poems, reading logs, learning diaries, photographs, science observations, posters, songs, projects, models and countless other records. From here you would select those which best represent the outcomes you or your child were aiming to achieve and these would be set aside to form a folio for your child. At report time, you would use these samples to assess your child's learning growth and identify gaps and strengths in their learning,How to best present this information could be discussed with the education advisors at the Unit. A reporting proforma is available for parents who would like specific guidance around the content of their child's report.
When is my child's report due?
A report is due in the tenth month of your child's registration. The registration date dictates when the report is due. For example, if your child's initial registration date was 25 June 2007, then your report would be due to the Unit between 25 March 2008 and 25 April 2008.
The Home Education Unit keeps track of your individual timeline and sends reminder information about when your report is due.
Does the Home Education Unit provide information and support to help me form the report?
Yes. A report package is sent for each child after they have been registered for about three months. The package contains guides to assist with the report development. Parents can choose to use all of the presented format or develop components of their own.
About the Home Education Unit
What is the purpose of the Home Education Unit?
The Home Education Unit was established with a dual role. Essentially, it registers school aged children whose parents choose to home educate them. To support this process, education advisors from the Unit offer educational advice to parents which may further develop the best home education program for the child.
The Home Education Unit is part of the Office of Non-State Education, Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA).
Can I visit the Home Education Unit?
Yes. Parents are welcome to visit the Unit to speak and plan with an education advisor. You would need to phone the Unit to arrange a time for your visit.
There is also a range of educational materials available at the Unit and parents, who find they would like to look at paper copies rather than online versions, drop by to view these.
About my responsibilities as the educator of my child
Am I required to register my child for home education?
Yes. If you choose to home educate in Queensland you are required to register your child through the Home Education Unit.
You may have purchased materials and programs from suppliers, in Queensland, from other states or other countries, who indicate that if you 'register' with them then you do not need to register through the Home Education Unit as well. This is incorrect information. Please contact the Home Education Unit if you have any doubts or questions.
Am I required to provide my child with a high quality education?
Yes.
If I'm not a registered teacher and I do not employ a registered teacher, can I still teach my child at home?
Yes. It is your right to home educate your child provided you have applied for and successfully registered your child.
Do I have to teach all the lessons at my home?
No. Your child's education will be based at their usual place of residence but there are many learning opportunities in the wider community which you would incorporate in your child's program.
For my child to remain registered do I have to provide a report?
Yes. Just as it is your right to choose home education for your child, it is your responsibility to assess and report on your child's progress. This report is processed by education advisors at the Home Education Unit and feedback about the report helps you to form your child's revised program for the following year. The plan, teach, learn, report, and plan cycle is important for your child's educational progress.
A report is provided to the Unit in the tenth month of your child's registration. For example, if your child's initial registration date was 15 December 2006, then your first report would be due to the Unit between the 15 October and the 15 November 2007.
How do I contact the Home Education Unit?
Phone: 07 3405 3916 or 1800 677 176 (outside Brisbane)
Fax: 07 3405 3914
Address
The Home Education Unit
Unit A, Level 1
52-54 Manning Street
SouthBrisbane
Postal Address
PO Box 3710
South Brisbane BC Q 4101
Email: homeeducation@deta.qld.gov.au
The Home Education Unit
Source: http://education.qld.gov.au/homeeducation/faq-heu.html
Ok that's a lot of information to take in so relax, read it again and contact us
for resources and planning to put your program together.
Who should I contact ?
Contact your local authority for legal details about homeschooling / home education in your state.
