Registration FAQ
Preparing a written yearly Plan is a requirement of Registration with the Home Education Unit (HEU). We have more information on planning on our registration page, including templates and sample plans.
Have a registration question you’d like answered? Submit it here!
What is the process for HEU registration?
- Everyone gets immediate provisional registration on receipt of the application to HEU (online, email or post).
- You are viewed as registered from the day you send your Application Form and details.
- If your application needs more information they will email you.
- You must unenroll from your current school the day you apply to HEU.
- HEU will email you within 10 working days. Add their 4 emails to your "Safe Sender List" as they often go to Spam:
- Homeeducation@qed.qld.gov.au
- HomeEducationApplications@qed.qld.gov.au
- OFFICENSS@qed.qld.gov.au
- homeeducationreporting@qed.qld.gov.au
How do I register with HEU?
- ONLINE application Form - Register a child for home education
- Or you can fill in paper form and email or post.
- See the "What do I need to provide to HEU to register?" FAQ below for more information
Can I have a Step by Step on what to do?
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- Step 1 You need to send an email to your school to cancel your enrolment, as of the day you apply to HEU.
- Check your private schools policy for $s, you can still remove them and register immediately.
- Email your school: “Please cancel my child XX enrolment as of insert date, as we have registered for Home Education, Thanks”
- Step 2 Same day, Register Online/send your application form Register a child for home education - with or without the Plan/Birth Certificate, HEU will request what's missing.
- OR Send email only with the 60 Days Provisional ONLY Registration form
- Step 3 You’re registered, start home educating
- Learn about deschooling especially if school life was challenging.
- HEU will email you within approx 5-10 working days confirming your immediate provisional registration and will proceed to process your application.
- Add these 4 emails to your Contact List:
- Step 1 You need to send an email to your school to cancel your enrolment, as of the day you apply to HEU.
- Then complete your plan if you haven't provided it, and any missing forms and email it when ready.
What do I need to provide to HEU to register?
- A copy of the child’s full birth certificate (no JP signature needed); or alternatively they will accept anything that shows parent or carer child relationship, and has the child's birthdate on it.
- A copy of a document such as a marriage or change of name certificate that links the registering persons name to the parent’s name on the child’s birth certificate. (If Applicable: this is required if the applicant’s name does not match child’s birth certificate.);
- Copies of any current court orders relating to the child (if applicable);
- Other documentation to demonstrate parental responsibility, eg guardianship. (If Applicable: this is only required if the applicant’s name does not appear on the child’s birth certificate.);
- A summary of the educational program/Plan to be implemented to demonstrate the high-quality education to be provided to the child. See here for Planning FAQ
What age can I Register my child?
- Registration with HEU is available in the year they turn 5.5 years until the end of the year they turn 17.
- You can wait till 6.5 which is the compulsory school age. See Prep FAQ Below for more info.
- You can register anytime of the year.
- Legislation covering Home Education in QLD -Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (updated May 2018). Refer to “Part 5” for Home Education. Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 - Queensland Legislation
When do I register?
- You apply the day you want to start, as you are registered from the moment you apply. All parents have a legal right to home educate.
- You can not register in advance, as you are immediately registered.
- You can apply via the usual application process online (click here Register a child for home education ).
- You can also email or post the Application Form and the Birth Certificate.
- If posting, do track your mail.
- You can submit a Plan within a month. You will be emailed about the missing plan within a few weeks.
Can I apply if the school won’t cancel my enrolment?
- Yes, once you have told the school to cancel your enrolment, you can apply to HEU.
- It is the parent’s responsibility to choose an educational environment for a child.
- Once you have informed the school in writing, your legal responsibility has been met.
- The school has no right to maintain an enrolment once notified in writing of the intent to home educate.
Will I get in trouble if the school claims my child is truant?
- No, as you are immediately registered.
- Once you have notified the school and the application to home educate has been sent, you are no longer bound by the school's authority.
- Some schools are very authoritative and demand more. If your school is being difficult, do message for help Contact@homeeducationqld.org
How do I apply for 60 Days Only Provisional Registration?
- You apply with just an email or letter (do NOT send the application form) - Form can be found here
- You must cancel your school enrolment same day.
- You will be provided with 60 consecutive days Provisional Only Registration and no Plan is ever required, as per Section 207 of the Act.
- You can include the Birth Certificate or they will request it,
- You don’t include a Plan, as one is not needed with this process.
How does Prep work and compulsory school age?
- Prep is compulsory for school to ensure children entering Year 1 have the skills and capabilities required.
- Compulsory school age is 6.5 years, where they are required to be enrolled or registered somewhere.
- Your child may be registered with HEU anytime in the year they turn 5.5 years.
- The benefits to registering early are;
- accessing the AIC see Finance FAQ
- easy transition to school for Grade 1.
- A child can be accepted into Year 1 at the principal’s discretion.
- Contact the school you are interested in, to ask about their policy for Grade 1 entry.
- This is the relevant section of law if you want to browse: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/.../act-2006-039…
What happens when they ask for more information?
- Provide what they ask by the due date and you will be fine.
- Reach out if you need help to interpret their communication and what extra you need to provide contact@homeeducationqld.org
Planning FAQ
What headings/topics are needed in a Plan?
- GOALS - 4 minimum Short Term (1 year) and long Term goals (2-5)
- OVERVIEW about your child - tell them academic and personal history about their abilities and challenges. What they like and don't like.
- LEARNING STYLE - of your child. See below FAQ's for more info
- TEACHING STRATEGIES - relevant to your child and you as per their learning style. eg short lessons to keep attention, no noise so a quiet environment, repetition etc See our below FAQ's for more info
- SOCIALISATION opportunities - a sentence or 2 about who they will engage with or their needs right now. They want to hear how you are strengthening friendships and creating a peer group for your child.
- PHYSICAL LEARNING AREA - desk, internet, books, stationery, air con etc.
- SUBJECTS/Learning Areas - at least 5 (covering English, Maths, Science, HASS, HPE minimum) - with goals and how you will meet them - use doing words.
- RESOURCES - for each learning area - be specific where able. A resource is everything from books, apps, websites, activities, classes, mentors etc. The more you mention, the better.
- RECORDING/ASSESSMENT - how you will note your observations, keep work and date things.
What does HEU state is required in a Plan?
The summary of the educational program includes material that demonstrates it:
- is responsive to the changing needs of the child as indicated by the short and long term educational and personal goals;
- has regard to the age, ability, aptitude and development of the child concerned;
- is conducted in an environment conducive to learning;
- is responsive to the child’s need for social development;
- uses suitable and relevant teaching strategies to deliver the educational program to the child;
- engages the child in a range of rich and varied learning experiences;
- is supported by sufficient and appropriate resources; and
- uses strategies for monitoring educational progress.
How do I write a Plan?
- Watch this FREE VIDEO all on Plan writing
- Plans don't have to be followed or completed.
- Plans are to show HEU that you are a capable educator.
- Brainstorm what you think you want to do with your child.
What are Learning Styles?
- Some people have an obvious preference for particular ways of learning. Using a range of ideas helps with memory recall.
- Include some of the ideas below to help describe the way your child prefers to learn, within the Learning Styles section of your Plan:
- Visual (spatial) - pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
- Aural (auditory-musical) - sound and music.
- Verbal (linguistic) -words, both in speech and writing.
- Physical (kinesthetic) - body, hands and sense of touch.
- Logical (mathematical) - logic, reasoning and systems.
- Social (interpersonal) - in groups or with other people.
- Solitary (intrapersonal) - work alone and use self-study.
- Other terminology you can use in Learning Styles may be:
- Multimodal and Flexible Learning - combine visuals, hands-on activities, and discussions to improve understanding and retention.
- Cognitive and Emotional Engagement tap into motivation, emotional connection, and relevance for materials that are interesting, emotionally resonant, or connected to real-life.
- Task-Based and Context-Driven Approaches - use a variety of learning strategies to adapt to different situations.
- Metacognition and Self-Directed Learning - reflect on and regulate their own learning. Choose and adapt methods that work best for them in different situations.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework - promote flexibility in presenting information, engaging and assessing understanding.
- Learning Dispositions and Growth Mindset - focus on curiosity, resilience, and openness to challenges and belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning.
What are Teaching Strategies?
- HEU wants to see you are tailoring the learning to your child's needs and have some understanding of how you intend to home educate.
- The Teaching Strategies you include should be inclusive of the child's Learning Style/s.
- The following will help with adding more information to the Teaching Strategies section of your Plan:
- Project-Based Learning - explore topics deeply through projects that culminate in a final product or presentation eg a small model ecosystem or constructing a historical timeline.
- Interest-Led Approach - interests guide learning, follow their curiosity and allow them to explore topics that excite them.
- Narrative and Storytelling - teach through stories to help retain information. History can come alive by focusing on the narratives of people who lived in that time.
- Experiential Learning and Fieldwork - learn through excursions and local explorations. Trips to museums, parks, or historical sites enrich understanding and provide hands-on, sensory experiences.
- Unit Studies - integrate multiple subjects around a central theme. eg a unit on "oceans" could cover geography, science, reading, and art.
- Use of Multimedia and Technology - incorporate videos, online simulations, and interactive apps eg digital storytelling, basic coding, or sound design.
- Socratic Method and Open Discussions - encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions that stimulate discussion and analysis.
- Gamified Learning - games that reinforce educational concepts. From board games that teach maths to interactive online simulations, gamification can make learning fun and engaging.
- Inquiry-Based Learning - start with a question or problem, and research, investigate, and find answers independently.
- Real-World Application and Practical Skills - eg, budgeting exercises or calculating compound interest can make maths practical, while writing a resume or managing a small project can teach planning and organisational skills.
- HEU suggest these ones when they ask for more information in this area:
- Bloom's taxonomy for reflective - thinking to scaffold thinking and develop questions to guide reflective thinking.
- Compare and contrast with texts, objects or locations.
- “I used to think … but now I know” to help to check for understanding. Asked to reflect on learning as they compare before and after learning new ideas.
- Reflect – Connect – Apply for practical learning applications,
- Predict, observe and explain to encourage to analyse and interpret demonstrations or experiments in greater depth.
Does a Plan have to include a timetable or daily details?
- No, you can home educate whenever you choose.
- You do not need to show a timetable or daily routine.
Can I use any programs/resources/activities/classes that suit my child's needs?
- HEU wants to see “high quality learning” and that looks different for every family.
- You can use any tutors, classes, programs, activities, excursions, courses you choose.
How long should my Plan be?
- There is no length requirement. It's about ensuring you cover the specific areas mentioned above.
- Plans that are 1 page, or 60 pages are approved.
- Average would be 6-10 pages, depending on font and format.
What happens if my plan isn't accepted?
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- You will be asked for more if you don't cover their learning areas, or it doesn't show “high quality learning”.
- HEU will phone and/or send an email detailing what is required.
- You can phone them and ask for more explanation, or you can dispute it if you think it has been included (they do get things wrong).
You will be given 28 days to provide extra information. If concerned, reach out to one of our Volunteers contact@homeeducationqld.org
Are there templates I can use?
- The HEU provides 3 Planning templates on their website and we have more here
Can I read some examples of Plans that have been approved?
- Yes, we have some sample plans here
Can I get help to write a Plan?
Can someone else write my Plan for me?
- Yes, while we strongly encourage you to prepare your own Plan and Report, sometimes for many different reasons access to a service to pay for the paperwork is needed/desired.We're currently creating a database of these businesses which will be live shortly.