Public consultation opens on rules for home schooling, distance learning and part-time attendance

A draft Cabinet of Ministers regulation titled "Criteria and Procedure for Education in the Family, Distance Learning and Part-Time Attendance" has been submitted for public consultation. The document clarifies how parents must justify a child's need to study at home or via distance learning, and the criteria municipalities will use to decide whether such an arrangement serves the child's best interests.

When alternative learning forms apply

Under amendments to the Education Law, students in grades 1–6 may study via distance learning or at home for one school year if the municipality determines special circumstances exist — related to social situation, health, access to education, or other factors. In their application, parents must explain which circumstances apply, describe how the learning process and support for the child will be organized, and confirm readiness to ensure the child's safety, regular participation in learning, and cooperation with the school. Parents are not required to prove the chosen form is better than any other.

Municipal decision-making

Municipalities must evaluate applications within 10 working days. When assessing a child's suitability for home schooling, the focus will be on whether the learning organization and support model fit the child, rather than the child's level of independence. For distance learning, the key factor is the child's readiness to independently use online platforms and maintain contact with the school. Decisions apply for one school year and may later be extended. Municipalities may also hear the child's opinion, while parents have the right to access all information used in the assessment and to appeal the decision.

Requirements for organizing learning

The draft also sets out how schools must organize home schooling, distance learning and part-time attendance — including requirements for feedback to parents, readiness of the electronic learning environment, minimum direct contact time between teacher and student (at least 30% for distance learning, 40% for part-time attendance), and regular assessment work.

The new rules are planned to be introduced gradually — for home schooling starting September 1, 2027, and for distance learning by grade through 2029. Comments on the draft can be submitted via the public portal for draft legal acts until September 24.