Under the Education Act 2016, any parent or guardian who would like to educate their child at home can register with the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council (THEAC).

As a home educator, you will be entirely responsible for developing and implementing a quality education program for the period of registration.

homeschooling in Tasmania TAS

Registering for homeschooling in Tasmania

You will need to submit a registration form to THEAC with key information about your child, including their age and year level, special needs and reasons for homeschooling. You will also be required to submit the following documents to support your application:

  • A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate
  • Proof of Tasmanian residence
  • Any extant court orders
  • A school attendance record (if applicable)
  • A Home Education Summary and Program (HESP).
  • A plan or method for recording learning activities
  • A plan or method for recording achievement and progress

An application form can be downloaded here.


Home Education Summary and Program

The purpose of a Home Education Summary and Program (HESP) is to outline the progress you have made in the previous year of home education, and detail your program for the year ahead. If this is your first HESP then it will deal only with the program you plan to deliver in the year to come.

Your HESP needs to address each of the following standards individually:

  1. A rich educational program that meets the unique needs of your child and takes into account learning difficulties, medical conditions, psychological conditions or giftedness.
  2. A program which demonstrates that the education to be provided is well-researched, and that the aspects of the areas of education to be provided are thoroughly understood by the person providing the program.
  3. A clear learning methodology which will support the aims of the program. This includes an ability to demonstrate how those methodologies will be delivered to your child.
  4. A plan to expose your child to environments rich in literacy, and opportunities to develop your child’s speech, reading, writing and communication.
  5. A plan to expose your child to core numeracy concepts.
  6. A program which incorporates a broad range of educational areas, and identifies the topics suitable to the needs of your child.
  7. An educational program which supports core matters of health, safety and wellbeing.
  8. Opportunities for your child to form and maintain friendships, develop their social skills and create connections to the wider community.
  9. A plan to support your child in future education pathways as they progress in their schooling i.e. specify how your child will be encouraged to plan future pathways in education, training or employment to ensure he or she develops to their full potential.
  10. A plan to record and demonstrate your child’s progress over time.

How Cluey supports homeschooling in Tasmania

Our flexible, online model means that your child can log in to our online learning platform from anywhere, utilising video, audio and collaborative whiteboard capabilities.

You can choose the areas you'd most like to focus on and specify your learning goals. Our programs can be tailored to your teaching philosophy and the needs of your child. What's more, you'll receive a report at the end of every session which can form part of your evidence of learning progress.

Learn more about homeschooling support with Cluey >>


FAQs


What do I need to consider before I homeschool?

Although you will eventually need to develop a learning plan, homeschooling is first and foremost an incredible time commitment. It’s important to consider whether you have the patience, dedication and energy required to teach your child, and whether this will get in the way of paid work or other commitments.


How old must my child be before I register them?

In Tasmania, a child who is at least 5 years old by January 1 must be enrolled at school or registered for homeschooling.


What happens after I register?

Once you submit a registration form, along with the required documents and HESP, your application will be reviewed by the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council.


How long will the application process take?

Although every approval process is different depending on your individual circumstances, applications take an average of 3-5 weeks before parents are notified of THEAC’s decision to register.


What happens if my application for registration is refused?

If your application for homeschooling was not successful, you can contact the Office of the Education Registrar via email registrar@oer.tas.gov.au or phone 6165 5754 to discuss an internal review.


How can I make sure I get approved?

Your application will be assessed based on your ability to provide a quality education for your child, and to document the educational opportunities you’re offering to your child. This includes identifying ways in which your program fosters your child’s unique emotional, physical, social and intellectual needs.

In order to successfully register, you should do your research on what’s required, including gathering the relevant documentation and developing a detailed HESP for each of your children.


Will I be monitored or reviewed while homeschooling?

Each year, you will be required to submit a Home Education Summary and Program (HESP), which details the progress you have made in the previous year of homeschooling, and outlines your program for the year ahead (if you intend to renew your registration).


What are the essential subjects/curriculum I need to teach?

Although there is no set homeschooling curriculum, THEAC has outlined several key learning areas which must be supported.


How much time should I spend on each subject?

You might find that a four day week works best, or five half days. You need to ensure you cover the requirements outlined by THEAC, but the way you teach and the time you spend on each module is entirely up to you.


What if my child has special needs?

If you have a child who for any reason doesn’t fit the “ordinary” box, homeschooling could be a positive option. Homeschooling can often take the stress out of structured lessons, allowing children to learn at their own pace and in their own way. For special needs, always seek as much support as possible, both to ensure you’re teaching to your child’s unique needs, and to connect with other parents or teachers who might be experiencing similar challenges.


How do I plan my homeschool/learning program?

Consider planning your own curriculum based on the learning outcomes put forward by THEAC. There are also several out-of-the-box homeschooling programs, many of which are developed by education experts and based on different approaches and teaching philosophies. Just ensure that these programs meet the unique needs and aptitudes of your child, as well as your state requirements.

And of course Cluey offers homeschooling support programs.


How do I document my homeschooling progress/portfolio?

There’s no one way to document your child’s progress at home. You might put together a collection of work, which would look different depending on the age and ability of your child. A written diary or essay samples are one example. Maths worksheets, stories based on historical understanding and other creative, inquiry-based studies are other options.


Do I need formal teaching qualifications to homeschool?

You don’t need any formal training to become a homeschool teacher. As long as you meet the requirements and show evidence of learning, you’re set!


What do I do if I'm overwhelmed?

Will you be able to cope with the mammoth undertaking that is homeschooling? The short answer is yes, when there's a will there's a way. But it's important to understand the realities of homeschooling and seek support in the form of outside tutoring if you feel yourself burning out.


Does my homeschooled child really need to complete Year 11 or 12?

Like mainstream education, progressing to a senior level is entirely up to you and your child. If your child has university in his or her sights, you will need to enrol them in a government or independent school so that they may become eligible for a Year 12 certificate and ATAR.

You could also consider senior studies through Open Universities, which offers a Year 12 equivalent certification or tertiary study options.


How does a homeschooler complete Year 10?

In Tasmania, once a child completes the equivalent of year 10, that child may decide whether to continue with home education or undertake an approved learning program.