Homeschooling in Western Australia

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Registration with the WA Department of Education is mandatory
• Must register within 14 days of withdrawing a child from school
• A Home Education Moderator is assigned to each registered family
• First moderation visit occurs within 3 months of registration, then annually
• No set curriculum: programs don't need to follow the WA Curriculum structure
• Birth certificate is required as part of the registration application

Legal Framework

Home education in Western Australia is governed by the School Education Act 1999 (WA), specifically Part 2, Division 3. The Act requires parents to register with the Director General of the Department of Education if they wish to educate their child at home rather than at a school. Once registration is processed, the family is assigned a home education moderator, who holds evaluation meetings about the child's education program and progress. The Department says programs don't need to follow the curriculum structure. Failure to register while not enrolling a child in school is an offence under the Act.

Required Subjects

Programs don't need to follow the Western Australian Curriculum structure. You have flexibility in how you plan, deliver and document your child's learning, and the program should reflect your child's needs, strengths, interests and learning goals. The 8 learning areas of the WA Curriculum can be a useful reference. ABLEWA is available for children with disability.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Develop Your Educational Plan

   Plan what your child will learn, how they will learn, and how you will monitor and record their progress. The program should reflect your child's needs, strengths, interests and learning goals. It doesn't need to follow the WA Curriculum structure.

   • •Look at the WA Curriculum learning areas on the SCSA website as a reference, if useful (https://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/)
   • •Decide on your educational approach and resources (structured curriculum, eclectic, etc.)
   • •Write down how you will monitor and record your child's progress
   • •Consider the ABLEWA curriculum if your child has a disability

   Tip: The plan does not need to mirror a school timetable: you have flexibility in how you structure delivery Many families use a combination of purchased curricula, online resources, library materials, and real-world experiences The Department of Education website has guidance documents and sample plans to help you get started Focus on outcomes rather than rigid schedules: the moderator wants to see that learning is happening
2. 2

   Submit Your Registration Application

   Complete and submit your Application for Registration for Home Education to the WA Department of Education. Include a certified copy of your child's birth certificate and your educational plan.

   • •Obtain the application form from the Department of Education website
   • •Attach a certified copy of the child's birth certificate
   • •Include your completed educational plan
   • •Provide your contact details and any supporting information

   Tip: Submit your application well in advance of deadlines to allow processing time Ensure the birth certificate copy is certified: uncertified copies may delay your application Keep copies of everything you submit for your own records Contact the Department's home education team if you have questions about the process

   Before compulsory education age, or by the last Friday of February for the new school year

3. 3

   Receive Registration and Moderator Assignment

   Once the Director General is satisfied with your application and educational plan, your registration will be approved. You will be assigned a Home Education Moderator who will be your main point of contact.

   • •Confirm receipt of your registration approval letter
   • •Note the name and contact details of your assigned Home Education Moderator
   • •Begin implementing your educational programme

   Tip: Your moderator is there to support you, not just assess you: build a constructive relationship Ask your moderator about local home education networks and resources Keep your educational plan up to date and adjust it as your child's needs and interests evolve
4. 4

   Prepare for Your First Moderation Visit

   Your first moderation visit will occur within 3 months of registration. The moderator will visit your home (or an agreed location) to review your educational plan and see initial work samples. The visit typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.

   • •Organise your educational plan and any work samples completed so far
   • •Prepare to discuss your educational approach and how your child is progressing
   • •Have your child's work available for the moderator to review

   Tip: You will receive at least 7 days' notice before the visit The visit is an opportunity to get feedback and suggestions from an experienced educator Be honest about what is working and what you are still developing: moderators understand that new home educators are still settling in Subsequent visits occur annually

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

There is no equivalent of US-style school sports access laws in Western Australia. Home-educated children do not have a legal right to participate in school sports teams or extracurricular activities. Some schools may allow access on an informal basis at the principal's discretion.