Can a parent go to jail if they do not register for home education?

Can a parent go to jail if they do not register for home education?

Yes. According to the BELA Bill, If a parent does not register their child for home education or follow the stipulated guidelines, they may face jail time. This was also the case with the Policy on Home Education; however, the sentencing period has increased. 
    • Related Articles

    • Will the PED (Provincial Department of Education) do home visits?

      Yes. This was also part of the Policy on Home Education. The department official will schedule a time to visit the parent at home to ensure that the parent is indeed the primary educator, can provide proof of the education plan the learner follows, ...
    • How does the BELA Bill affect tutors?

      Parents may still opt to use the services of a tutor, as the Policy on Home Education referred to. Tutor businesses are still not considered schools and may still not operate as a school or claim to be a school to the public. In essence, nothing has ...
    • Do homeschooling learners need to be formally assessed?

      Yes. The Policy on Home Education stipulated that a learner must be formally assessed at the end of each phase, and this will now be enforced as per the BELA Bill. Grade R to 3 learners do not write tests and exams yet; therefore, at the end of Grade ...
    • What are my responsibilities as a parent?

      Section 51 of the South African Schools Act states that parents must register their child with the Head of Department (HOD) of a Provincial Education Department (PED) should they wish to home educate their child who is of compulsory school-going age ...
    • Can the DBE close down a tutor business?

      If the tutor business operates as an illegal school, then it is within the power of the DBE to close the illegal school. Please refer to the Tutor Manual for guidance on this matter.