The Education Act 1996, Section 7, states that it is the duty of parents of every child of compulsory school age to ensure that they receive efficient full time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs they may have either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. The word "otherwise" affirms parents right to educate their child themselves instead of sending them to school. The great majority of children attend the school which serves their local community, but for a wide variety of reasons, some parents decide to educate their children themselves.