Can an IDP Be Removed If You Home Educate in Wales? (2026 Update)

Published 28 March 2026

Last updated: 28 March 2026 following Welsh Government guidance update

This article explains the current position in Wales only. The SEND system in England operates under a different legal framework.

If you are considering home educating your child, or have already done so, one of the most common and worrying questions is:

“Will my child lose their IDP?”

The short answer is:

No — not automatically.

However, in practice, this is an area where families can face pressure or confusion, so it is important to understand both the law and what to do if concerns arise.

What the law says

Under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 and the Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales 2021:

  • local authorities are responsible for deciding whether a child has ALN
  • and for preparing and maintaining an Individual Development Plan (IDP) where required

These duties do not automatically end because a child is electively home educated.

What the 2026 guidance clarifies

In March 2026, Welsh Government updated its ALN guidance.

The guidance reinforces that:

  • home education is a parental choice about how education is delivered
  • it is not a mechanism for removing ALN duties
  • local authorities must still consider whether ALN is present and whether an IDP is required

At the same time, it clarifies that:

home education itself is not additional learning provision

So can an IDP be removed?

The key point

An IDP should not be removed simply because a child is home educated.

However:

  • the local authority may review the IDP
  • and may decide to amend or cease it

—but only if the legal test is no longer met.

The correct question is:

Does the learner have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for additional learning provision?

This is a needs-based test, not a placement-based decision.

What this means in practice

In reality, this is an area where families often experience difficulty.

What we see in practice

  • IDPs being reviewed soon after deregistration
  • increased scrutiny of whether ALN is still considered present
  • confusion about responsibilities

This does not mean removal is automatic. But it does mean:

parents may need to engage actively with the process

Why an IDP may still matter (even if you home educate)

In law, an IDP exists based on need — not school attendance.

However, in practice, an IDP can be very important later on.

1. Post-16 education

At 16+, young people may move into:

  • FE college
  • sixth form
  • apprenticeships

In practice:

Having an IDP in place before the end of Year 11 can make a significant difference to how quickly support is put in place.

Without an IDP:

  • assessments may need to restart
  • support may be delayed
  • transition planning may be disrupted

2. Evidence for benefits (DLA / PIP)

An IDP can provide:

  • structured evidence of need
  • documented support requirements

This can support applications, although it is not required.

3. Access to NHS services

An IDP can help provide a clear record of need, which may support engagement with services such as:

  • SALT
  • OT
  • Physiotherapy
  • CAMHS

Access depends on clinical criteria, but clear documentation can help.

4. Future planning

Circumstances can change.

An IDP provides:

  • a formal record
  • a structured plan
  • a starting point if support is needed later

A balanced view

Not every home educated child needs an IDP.

However:

removing or not securing an IDP too early can make things more difficult later on

What to do if an IDP is being removed

Step 1 — Ask for the decision in writing

You should receive:

  • the decision
  • the reasons
  • the evidence
  • your rights

If not:

“Please confirm the decision, reasons, and legal basis in writing.”

Step 2 — Check the process

Ask:

  • Is this an annual review?
  • Is this a reconsideration?
  • What stage are we at?

👉 What Schools Must Do When They Suspect ALN in Wales

Step 3 — Check the correct test

The decision must be based on need — not home education.

Step 4 — Request reconsideration

If needed:

  • request reconsideration
  • expected timeframe: promptly and usually within 7 weeks

👉 ALN Decision-Making Timescales in Wales

Step 5 — Escalate if necessary

  • complaints
  • independent advice
  • tribunal

Annual review duty

If your child has an IDP:

the local authority must review it at least every 12 months

What this means

A review should:

  • assess whether the IDP is still appropriate
  • consider changes in need
  • decide whether to maintain, amend, or cease

🚩 Red flags

  • no review
  • informal decisions
  • lack of explanation

Person-centred review

The ALN system is based on a person-centred approach.

What this means

A review should:

  • involve the child
  • reflect their views
  • include parent input
  • focus on meaningful outcomes

In practice

This might include:

  • the child sharing what helps
  • identifying challenges
  • discussing goals
  • using appropriate communication methods

Why this matters (post-16)

👉 EOTAS vs Home Education in Wales

👉 ALN Decision-Making Timescales in Wales

It is often significantly easier to secure post-16 support where an IDP is already in place before the end of Year 11.

What to watch for

🚩 Pressure points

  • pressure to deregister
  • IDP removal linked to EHE
  • unclear decisions

Questions to ask

  • What is the legal basis?
  • What evidence is used?
  • How does this meet the ALN test?

You do not have to navigate this alone

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