Help! Can I homeschool my epileptic daughter in Carmarthen, Wales?

by zoe denning
(carmarthen)

Hi, I am 30 years old and have an epileptic 11 year old daughter.

She is not really behind in her work at all. My concern is her safety - she doesn't know when she is going to have a seizure which makes life dangerous. She had a seizure in school last week mid-run during cross country, on CONCRETE! Badly injured her face. There are loads of steps in her school and even if she was to hold another childs hand, if she were to have a seizure she would pull them with her.

I feel the school teachers have not got the resources and time to make sure she is safe and never alone, so have thought of home schooling her but don't know if I am allowed to, or how I go about it?

Thank you, Zoe

Hi Zoe - Yes, you are allowed to homeschool her.

The law in Carmarthen (and Wales) is pretty much the same as in England - see UK Home Education Law. As long as she is not at a special school you will just need to send a letter of deregistration to the school - a letter saying that you wish the school to deregister her because you have made alternative arrangements for her education - you can find an example here (you need to scroll down the page a little to find it).

To get started, have a look at my page about UK home education. It should answer some of your homeschooling questions.

I would also recommend you get in touch with some home educators in your area - they are always happy to help and advise. You can always visit some groups and talk to them before you make the decision. For Carmarthen, try :

North Carmarthen Home Education. This seems like a quiet group but close to you.

South West Wales Home Ed.

South Wales Home Education Network.


Hope that helps! Let me know how you get on.

best wishes, Julie.