Registration for homeschooling isn’t difficult, but it can seem so because the requirements for registration, that are published by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority – the government agency that manages home education registration), are unclear.
Never fear, SHEN has lots of helpful information and support to help you understand the requirements, plan templates and more, to make it easy.
Registration is largely about ‘ticking the boxes’.
Confidence is key!
You are the person most concerned about your child’s flourishing. Be confident in your own ability to provide learning opportunities for your child (bluff if necessary!)
If you choose to email or post fill in the two page application form from NESA (Application form for Initial Registration for Homeschooling) and
Note: there is no requirement to provide a reason for choosing to homeschool. Questions about child’s school history, special needs and reasons for homeschooling are optional.
Your AP meeting is an assessment for registration, with an Authorised Person (AP).
Note: there is no requirement to send documentation prior to the meeting, even if the AP requests it.
At your assessment meeting, you will need to show the AP:
1. HOW DO I CREATE A PLAN?
Your plan must be ‘based on the NSW Syllabus’. This is easily done by simply cutting and pasting the Rationale (stage statements) from the NESA Syllabus documents OR Rationale (stage statements) and Outcomes K-10.
A paragraph listing the resources under the Rationale (Stage Statements) for each KLA is sufficient. Resources do not need to be linked to the NSW Syllabus – your plan can include whatever learning opportunities you choose for your child.
Click here to download sample plans
2. WHAT PLANNING RESOURCES, IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES DO I USE IN MY PLAN?
You already have many resources in your home, and backyard, at your library, in your local area, and beyond. These, and your child’s interests can form the basis of your plan, including natural learning experiences.
These may include games, Lego, pets, cooking, gardening, your local environment (bushwalks, beach, etc), and community activities (sport, drama, dance, Scouts, youth group, etc).
Many parents feel that purchasing a ‘complete curriculum’ will help with registration, but this is not the case, and these may not be well suited to your child’s needs.
3. WHAT DO I NEED FOR RECORD KEEPING?
NESA does not prescribe methods for keeping records. The best system is one which is easy and meaningful for the parent. For example, taking lots of photos is an easy basis for a system.
At your registration renewal, the AP will not need to see all your record keeping. You will just need to demonstrate that, during the past period of registration, you provided learning opportunities suited to your child in the six KLAs.
4. WHAT DO I NEED AS A LEARNING AREA?
This can be the dining table. Protect your child’s privacy – do not show the AP their bedroom.
5. WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SHY OR AFRAID?
The AP will expect to ‘sight’ your child, but the child does not need to speak to the AP. If this would be traumatic for the child, a doctor may exempt the child from being present.
6. HOW DO I GET APPROVED?
It’s helpful to know that you will be approved, if you show the things listed above.
Very few applications are rejected for not meeting requirements, and free support to meet the requirements is available.
Paying for registration support or purchasing a complete curriculum is unnecessary and will not increase your likelihood of approval.
When creating a plan, emphasise that you are the one taking responsibility for the education program, and minimise your reliance on external providers, as the definition of homeschooling that NESA relies upon is ‘in the home, delivered by the parent’.
7. WHEN DO I GET MY REGISTRATION?
Once your assessment meeting with the AP is successfully completed, registration will generally dated from the day of the meeting .
Email your child’s school to let them know that you are making alternate arrangements for your child’s education. Parents are always responsible for the education of their children, according to the Education Act.
There is no legal requirement to prove to the school that you are meeting your responsibility for the education of your child.
A full program may not be necessary and could even be a hinderance if it feels overwhelming or forces you child to work through it when it’s no needed. Instead, focus on choosing quality books, free or affordable resources, or more specialised tools you already have on hand. This approach allows for a more personalised and effective learning experience.
NSW REGISTRATION FACEBOOK GROUP
The NSW Homeschooling Registration Support Network is a Facebook support group for those looking to register or renew their registration. There are lists of resources, planning tips and sample plans available. Members can provide free support or request support with registration for home education in NSW.
NSW Homeschool Guidelines –https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-09/guidelines-for-home-schooling-in-nsw.pdf