If you already understand the five-section structure a Local Authority report should follow, you may not need the full explanation again, just something quick to check yourself against before you press send. This is a scannable checklist version of our full guide to writing your home education annual report, for when you want the shortcut rather than the full walkthrough.
Nothing here contradicts that guide. It is the same five-section structure, condensed into a checklist you can run through in a couple of minutes.
The five things to check off
The Five Sections to Check Off
- 1Your approach to home education
- 2Subjects and activities covered
- 3Progress and development
- 4Evidence of learning
- 5Plans for the year ahead
Run through each of these before you send your report. If you can tick off all five, your report is doing its job.
1. Your approach
- ☐ A sentence or two on your overall style (structured, autonomous, or a mix)
- ☐ Any changes to your approach since your last report
2. Subjects and activities covered
- ☐ A list of the main subjects and activities from the past year
- ☐ Enough breadth to show more than one or two areas
3. Progress and development
- ☐ At least one example of how your child has grown in confidence, ability, or independence
- ☐ A comparison to last year, not just a description of this year
4. Evidence of learning
- ☐ A brief mention of what evidence exists, such as photos, workbooks, or a log
- ☐ A note that it is available on request
5. Plans for the year ahead
- ☐ A short, honest outline of what the coming year looks like
- ☐ Any changes in approach you're already expecting
What you do not need to include
Include
- A brief description of your overall approach
- The main subjects and activities covered
- A clear example of progress or growth
- A mention of evidence available on request
- A short outline of your plans ahead
Leave Out
- Day-by-day timetables or diaries
- Full copies of every worksheet
- Personal or medical detail that isn't relevant
- National Curriculum jargon or year group labels
- Anything you aren't comfortable sharing
A Local Authority report is not a school report, and it is not a legal document, so there is no need to over-engineer it. If you are unsure whether to include something, this quick check can help.
- ☐ Ask yourself: does this actually show a suitable education, or is it just extra detail?
- ☐ If it feels like padding, leave it out
- ☐ If it feels like proof, keep it in
A quick copy-paste checklist
Everything above, in one place, ready to copy into a notes app or print out.
- ☐ A sentence or two on your overall approach
- ☐ Any changes to your approach since last time
- ☐ A list of the main subjects and activities covered
- ☐ Enough breadth to show more than one or two areas
- ☐ At least one example of progress or growth
- ☐ A comparison to last year, not just this year
- ☐ A brief mention of what evidence exists
- ☐ A note that evidence is available on request
- ☐ A short outline of your plans for the year ahead
- ☐ Any changes in approach you're already expecting
Little Folio keeps this evidence organised for you throughout the year, so when it's time to run through this list, everything you need is already logged, dated, and ready to reference.
Start your free trial of Little FolioFrequently asked questions
Is this checklist enough on its own, or do I need more guidance?
This checklist works well on its own as a final check before sending your report, especially if you have already read our full guide or written reports before. If this is your first report and you want the reasoning behind each section along with example wording, the full guide covers that in more depth.
Do I need to use headings that match this checklist exactly?
No. There is no prescribed format for a home education annual report, and no requirement to use these headings, or any headings at all. What matters is that your report covers all five areas somewhere, not that it uses this exact structure or wording.
What if I am missing information for one of these sections?
Do not hold up the whole report over one thin section. Write what you honestly can, even if it is brief, and treat any gap as something to start tracking from now on so next year's report is easier to fill in. A short, honest section is far better than leaving one out altogether.
Further reading
- How to write your home education annual report for the Local Authority
- How to respond when your Local Authority contacts you
- What records do home educators need to keep in England
Little Folio is a record-keeping app built for home educating families in England. Log activities, store evidence, manage Local Authority correspondence, and generate professional reports in one place.
Last updated: August 2026. This post is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify against current official guidance and seek independent advice for your specific circumstances.