Update from the Home Education Registrar - New Guidelines
Home education update
Dear Home Education Community
Following on from my update last week, I’d like to share with you two new Guidelines that outline how the Office of the Education Registrar (OER) approaches Home Education in specific circumstances.
The first Guideline describes our approach to supporting the registration of home education programs for young people in crisis. The second outlines how the OER conducts registration visits for children with complex or challenging behaviours.
We’ve also developed short versions of both Guidelines that highlight key information. We understand that when these situations arise, you may need quick access to essential details without having to navigate lengthy documents.
We recognise that both situations require a high degree of sensitivity, empathy, and care. We also understand that applying these Guidelines may take courage and trust, from both families and our staff.
If the OER reaches out to you to discuss a registration visit, please know that we will do so with compassion, respect, and a commitment to working collaboratively with you.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Warm regards,
Jo Spencer
Registrar (Home Education)
Manager, Home Education
Our approach to home education for young people in crisis
This Guideline explains how the OER can support the registration of a home education program when a young person is in crisis and is unable or unwilling to regularly engage in educational learning activities.
These situations can be complex and emotionally challenging, and the OER is committed to responding with care, flexibility, and respect.
Key messages:
- The wellbeing and safety of young people is the OER’s highest priority.
- Crisis situations may involve mental health challenges, trauma, or personal circumstances that create barriers to learning.
- These barriers can include withdrawal, difficulty communicating, or reluctance to engage in social or educational activities.
- In some cases, a young person may stop engaging with learning entirely, making it difficult to deliver a traditional home education program.
- A home education program should be responsive to the young person’s current needs and situation, which may require adjustments.
- Advice about how we can work with you to support your home education registration depends on when the situation occurred and where you are in your home education journey
- Every situation is different, and the OER is committed to helping families find the best path forward.
Registration visits for children with complex or challenging behaviours
This Guideline aims to support families and ensure safe, respectful, and effective registration visits for children who exhibit complex or challenging behaviours associated with disability or mental health conditions.
Key messages:
- The Guideline outlines OER’s approach to registration visits for children who may display behaviours such as aggression, physical violence, high anxiety, depression, or a tendency to abscond.
- It also considers children who are socially withdrawn, non-verbal, or who retreat to safe spaces when overwhelmed.
- Visits are designed to be thorough, flexible, and sensitive to the individual needs and wellbeing of the child.
- The safety and welfare of both children and OER staff are prioritised.
- The Guideline promotes a balanced approach that is responsive, respectful, and supportive.
- A short version of the Guideline is available to provide quick access to essential information.
Feedback and comments
We genuinely welcome your feedback and suggestions—your insights help us improve and ensure our approach continues to meet the needs of the home education community.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have thoughts about any of the documents being shared today. We can make changes to incorporate relevant comments and suggestions.
Email: registrar@oer.tas.gov.au