Do I need to de-register my child to home educate?

by L.
(Dorset, UK)

Do I need to de-register my 3 year old (soon to be 4) if I want to home educate him?

He is supposed to start school in the UK in September but is very clingy and doesn't like to stay at pre-school by himself either. He has also said he doesn't want to go.

I personally think he is not ready to be separated from me and stay with complete strangers. His name is down for the same school his brother and sister are going to but obviously hasn't actually started yet.

I think that technically (in the UK), schools aren't supposed to put children on the register until the first day of term - but it seems that they are doing so more and more. Especially if the child has been offered a place at the school.

I would recommend you write to the Head of the school to say you have made alternative arrangements and don't need a place for your son.