Homeschooling is no longer considered an alternative to traditional school. It is becoming increasingly popular both in the U. K.
and in the world. Many people choose to homeschool their children for various reasons and this article will explore the legality of homeschooling in England.
It will also explain its general benefits and drawbacks as well as provide advice on what any parent should keep in mind while considering homeschooling as an option.
What is Homeschooling?
Homeschooling is the practice of providing educational instruction to a child at the home. Instead of attending a traditional school, the student in this setting will have their parents or another qualified adult serving as their educator.
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular particularly in the last decade or so, due to the increasing availability of resources and lessons to families who choose this path.
Is Homeschooling Legal in England?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in England. The legislation in England governs homeschooling is under the Education Act 1996 and the Education (No. 2) Act 198
It states that parents have a legal responsibility to provide full-time education for their children of compulsory school age. In the U.
K. , a child of compulsory school age is defined as any child aged between 5-16 years old. Therefore, parents may teach their children at home if they are of compulsory school age, as long as they provide appropriate educational instruction.
What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?
There are a number of benefits to homeschooling in England. One of the key advantages is that it provides much more flexible hours of learning compared to traditional school. This allows parents to tailor not only their children’s educational material but also their schedule to fit their needs.
This makes homeschooling an ideal choice for families who have children with special educational needs or who are gifted and talented. Furthermore, homeschooling places a smaller degree of stress and pressure on the student.
Instead of feeling like they need to keep up with their peers or compete against each other, the student can focus more on their own learning.
What Are the Drawbacks of Homeschooling?
There are also some drawbacks to homeschooling in England. As with any educational choice, it is not without its disadvantages. One of the major challenges of homeschooling is that it puts the burden of full-time teacher on the parent.
This may be difficult and stressful for many parents, particularly if they do not have the necessary experience or qualifications to teach. It also makes it difficult for the student to get feedback on their progress and any queries they may have.
Furthermore, it can be isolating as the student would not get the usual social interaction of attending a traditional school.
What Should Parents Keep in Mind When Deciding if Homeschooling is the Right Option?
When deciding if homeschooling is the right option for their child, parents should take into consideration the various benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling. They should also weigh up their own abilities to teach and the availability of resources in the area.
Most importantly, they should consider the child’s opinion and capacity to learn in a homeschool setting. They need to be able to provide the child with the appropriate educational resources and facilities, as well as encouragement and guidance.
Conclusion
To conclude, homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in England. It is a legal option for parents who are willing to tailor their child’s education to their needs and interests.
Parents should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, and consider their own capabilities, resources, and their child’s opinion and capacity to learn. Homeschooling can be a great option for some but it is not the right choice for everyone, and families should think carefully before committing to it.