Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom and around the world. The flexibility of homeschooling means that you can choose the curriculum and learning environment to suit your individual educational needs, providing your children with the best educational opportunity. While homeschooling is becoming more and more commonplace, it can still be a difficult process to navigate.
This article will provide an overview of the process of homeschooling in the UK, and answer 15 important questions to consider when homeschooling your child.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling in the UK?
There are many benefits to homeschooling in the UK. Most notably, parents have the flexibility to design their own curriculum and tailor their learning environment to fit the individual education needs of their child.
Homeschooling also allows parents to protect their child from negative influences that may exist in a traditional learning environment, such as bullying or an unhelpful teaching approach. Furthermore, homeschooling encourages children to take responsibility for their own learning and explore their academic, social, and spiritual needs. Holistic learning can lead to a more complete understanding of the world and how it works.
Finally, homeschooling allows parents to take their children on educational trips, whilst at the same time having the peace of mind that the number of hours they are receiving home education meets the legal requirement.
What Are the Disadvantages of Homeschooling in the UK?
While homeschooling has many advantages, there are some potential disadvantages to consider. Homeschooling can require a great deal of commitment from parents in terms of both time and financial resources. Furthermore, homeschooling can lead to potential isolation from other children unless the parents are actively involved in creating social opportunities for their child.
Furthermore, parents must ensure that the home education curriculum meets all the requirements necessary for the child to gain qualifications for further study or universities.
Do I Need to Register for Homeschooling in the UK?
Yes. The Education Act 1996 requires that parents register their child for homeschooling in the United Kingdom.
The process of registering is relatively straightforward, but can seem daunting when starting out. Parents must contact their local government and provide evidence that home schooling is suitable for the child in question. The government may also request to inspect the home and the education plan of the home-schooled child.
What Are the Regulations Around Homeschooling in the UK?
Once a child is registered for homeschooling in the UK, the local government will regulate and monitor the education plan. The Education Act 1996 sets out the number of hours necessary for a child to be considered home-schooled, which is 15 hours in England, 28 hours in Scotland, 15 hours in Wales and 20 hours in Northern Ireland.
The government may also make additional regulations, such as testing of the child’s knowledge or the qualifications the parents must hold in order to teach medicine.
How Do I Set Up a Homeschooling Curriculum for My Child?
When setting up a homeschooling curriculum for your child, it is important to consider the individual needs of your child as well as the legal requirements for home education in the UK. It is important to remember that the child should still have a broad, balanced and inclusive curriculum that contains the core subjects of Maths, English and Science. The parents should also include social, emotional, physical and spiritual elements, such as physical education, educational trips, exploring other cultures and participating in the arts.
What Resources Would I Need to Set up a Homeschooling Environment?
In order to set up a successful homeschooling environment, it is important to have the right resources in place. This includes educational resources such as books, paper and bookshelves, and technology such as laptops and interactive whiteboards.
Parents should also consider having a designated space for teaching, as this will help create an organised learning environment. Additionally, parents may also need to invest in curriculum resources, such as educational kits or software programmes, as well as other teaching aids such as toys and games.
Do I Need to Find Other Homeschoolers?
Although it is not necessary to find other homeschoolers when setting up a home education programme, it is highly recommended. Connecting with other homeschooling families can help create a community of like-minded individuals and provide a valuable support network.
Additionally, homeschooling groups or organisations can provide homeschooling parents with advice and guidance, as well as offer educational opportunities to their children, such as field trips or social events.
Do I Need to Follow the National Curriculum?
No. Parents do not need to follow the national curriculum when homeschooling in the UK. Although parents may find it beneficial to refer to it when creating their own curriculum, they are not obligated to stick to it.
Parents are free to create their own curriculum that is tailored to meet the individual academic, social, emotional and spiritual needs of their child.
Can I Receive Financial Support for Homeschooling in the UK?
Yes. Parents in the United Kingdom are entitled to receive financial support for homeschooling, although this varies depending on the local authority. Parents should contact their local authority in order to determine what financial support is available.
Parents may also be able to receive support from various charities and organisations, such as the Homeschoolers Support Group.
What Are My Rights as a Home Educating Parent in the UK?
Parents in the UK that are educating their children at home have the right to receive access to the same services and resources as parents sending their children to school, such as the right to use local library services. Parents also have the right to appeal decisions made by the local authority.
Do I Need to Attend Interviews or Tests with the Local Authority?
Yes. The local authority may require parents to attend an interview or test in order to demonstrate that the home education programme is suitable for the child in question.
Parents should be prepared to provide evidence that their curriculum is broad and balanced, and that their child is making satisfactory educational progress.
Do I Have to Notify the Local Authority of Changes to My Homeschooling Plan?
Yes. It is important to keep the local authority informed of any changes to the home education programme, such as changes to the curriculum or teaching methods. Parents may also need to provide evidence that their child is making satisfactory progress in their home education programme.
Can I Take My Child to University with a Homeschooling Qualification?
Yes. It is possible to take the GCSEs and A-Levels to gain entry to university. However, it is important to check that the university will accept the qualification, as it varies depending on the institution.
Furthermore, parents should ensure that the home education curriculum meets the university entry requirements, as some may require additional qualifications.
Conclusion
From this article it is evident that homeschooling in the UK requires a great deal of preparation and commitment. Parents must first register for home education, and then create an individual educational plan for their child. It is also important to be aware of the regulations, financial support and legal rights that are associated with homeschooling in the UK.
When done correctly, homeschooling can provide an optimal educational opportunity for children and equip them with the skills, knowledge and life experience necessary for success.