Many of the libraries in Suffolk offer rooms to hire, which you can use to host your own home education activity or event. If you are set up as a charity or not for profit organisation offering support to home educators, then you will qualify for our charity rates.

When thinking about starting a group, you might be unsure where to start. Research carried out by Suffolk Libraries shows that most home educating parents are looking for social groups where they and their children can meet other families. However, to make these groups enjoyable and successful, it is worth having a plan in place with some activities for the attendees to enjoy. This could include:

• Lego
• Crafts
• Group story writing
• Cake decorating
• Storytelling activities
• Book groups
• Group creative activities

Once you have an established group you will be able to build on these ideas and work with your attendees to find out what they would like to do.

If you don’t have the resources for all of these activities, enquire at the library as they may be able to lend or hire them out to you.

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Home Education FAQs

I’m considering home educating, what do I need to do?

• Elective Home Education (EHE) is when parents choose to educate their children at home or with a private tutor. To find out more with regards to your parental responsibilities, take a look at the Suffolk InfoLink website
• Join Facebook groups -there are lots of groups specifically for home educators locally, regionally and nationally. However, do not feel pressured, make the best decision for you and your family.
• Visit your local library and attend regular groups, you may find that other attendees are in the same position as you.

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Is the library service in Suffolk run by the council?

• No. Suffolk Libraries IPS is a charity which is contracted to provide the library service in Suffolk. We do not share your data with the council and any reports are anonymised.

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Where can I find more information about Elective Home Education in Suffolk?

• Suffolk County Council provide a wealth of information on procedures, policies, strategies, guides and resource lists on their Suffolk InfoLink page.

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Does my Home Educators library card get me discounts?

• No, but you may be surprised by how many places already offer a discount. When booking tickets for days out, its worth asking if they offer discounts for EHEs.