Oh that sneaky old crown, up to her perception games again and winning!
Blighty is rarely a place where you are told your rights, Scotland and Wales are no exception, if by birth or education you don't know, then "they" are most definitely not going to inform you... Remember ignorance of the law is NO defense against it...
Next time you read or watch the news, see how the police state, extends to all media, so be careful who you trust..
Although the perception is that you can NOT, in fact, you CAN. The process is so simple that if everyone knew about it half the schools in the UK would be abandoned.. Lucky for the crown and her government, most people, like you, beleave it to be illegal, so don't investigate it. Like you, they hear stories of fines and jail time and surmise it is not worth the hassle.. In many ways, this attitude is reflected across the nation and across social spectrums and topics.
So, get ready for the big secret -- YOU have to inform your council and your child's school in writing by letter, that your child will be homeschooled "going forward" and then provide a curriculum for your child...! The curriculum is of your choosing, you don't have to follow any other.. That's it, that's all there is to it.
There is a darker side to this, a somewhat subjective grey area, supposed for the benefit of the child.... You will be expected to do a great job and your local council has the right, so called, to check from time to time, if they deem your effort to be sub par "they" will step in with a compulsory back to school order, forcing you to send them to school... Good old Blighty, control is her middle name..
Not that complicated right? It really is that simple. But don't take my word for it, below is a link to officialdom, the UK government website, that confirms my understanding. Consider yourself informed.... Oh yes, thanks for saying I seem kind, you do too, not sure I am, but I do my best, thank you for your kind words!!.... I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck...
Knowledge is power... N
https://www.gov.uk/home-education