It may seem overwhelming to think about homeschooling your child in the UK, especially if you have only heard of it as a concept. There is a lot of research to do, and questions to ask, to ensure you have all the right information and access to resources to support your decision.
In this article, fifteen essential questions to answer are explored.
1. What Laws Do I Need to Comply With?
When homeschooling in the UK, it is essential to understand the laws that you need to comply with in order to ensure your child is taught legally. The most important thing to understand is that in the UK all children are required to receive a full-time education from the age of five.
This does not necessarily mean that children must attend school, as parents or guardians may choose to homeschool their child, as long as they can prove compliance with the relevant regulations and laws. The main piece of legislation that applies to education in the UK is the Education Act 1996, which outlines the responsibilities of parents and guardians, and their requirement to ensure their children receive a suitable education. In addition to this, there are laws relating to what subjects should be taught and when, and conduct and behaviour whilst teaching that must be adhered to.
Additionally, homeschooled children in England can still be entered for public tests and exams, such as the 11+ and GCSEs and A-Levels, as long as they register with a school that is a recognized center for these exams. This is a straightforward process and guidance is provided by the government.
2. What Techniques Can I Use?
Once you understand the laws and regulations you need to comply with, it is important to consider the techniques and educational approaches that you can use. Different approaches work better for different children and families, and it is important to understand how different methods work and which are best suited to you and your child. Common techniques and approaches found when homeschooling in the UK include:• Unschooling, which is an approach which does not follow a specific curriculum, and instead allows students to pick up skills and knowledge through exploration and creativity.
• Montessori, which promotes learning of fundamentals through sensory activities and hands-on experiences. • Charlotte Mason Method, which emphasises natural development, independence, and critical thinking.
• Classical education, which focuses on developing skills through the study of famous works and societies.
3. What Resources Do I Need?
When homeschooling a child in the UK, it is important to ensure you have access to appropriate resources to ensure your child is receiving a complete education. Different resources are required depending on the chosen educational approach, but important resources generally include:• School books and syllabi – these outline the expected learning outcomes and assessments that your child should complete, to ensure they are receiving a comprehensive education in all core subjects. • Maths and science resources – these resources, such as online courses and apps, will ensure your child can access high quality maths and science education both at home and away.
• Art and music resources – in addition to core curriculum resources, art, music and other creative activities play an important role in child education, and it is important to ensure appropriate resources and materials are available. • Technology – many children need access to technology to access and create school work, and appropriate devices and software should be provided.
4. What Support Is Available?
As well as the resources available to support homeschooled children in the UK, it is also important to understand the support that can be accessed. Advice and support are available both online and in-person, and some of the most important sources include:• Local authority homeschooling support – each British local authority provides various levels of homeschooling support, and it is important to research and source this as early as possible to ensure you are utilising all the resources available. • Support from homeschool organisations – in the UK, there are a multitude of homeschooling organisations that provide important advice and support for parents.
Joining these groups can help both experienced homeschoolers and those just starting out. • Online homeschooling communities – online communities are incredibly helpful sources of advice and practical tips, and most homeschooling groups have a presence online that can be accessed.
5. How Homeschooling Affects the Family?
Homeschooling is a big commitment and one that will have a significant impact on family life. It is essential to understand the different ways that homeschooling could affect your family dynamic, in terms of both time and relationships. Some of the most important considerations include:• Time spent – homeschooling requires significant amounts of time, both in preparing and delivering education, and it is important to factor this into family life.
• Social interaction – it is important to understand how homeschooling affects children’s exposure to other children and potential social challenges, and how to counter these. • Child development – the quality of education and exposure received through homeschooling must be monitored to ensure children do not experience any gaps or delays in their development.
• Parental relationships – homeschooling requires a strong parental relationship, both in terms of communication and trust, and harmonious relationships are essential for successful homeschooling.
6. How Can I Manage the Costs?
Homeschooling can be expensive, with materials, books, technology and tuition all requiring funding. There are a number of ways to manage the costs, such as:• Budgeting – budgeting effectively is essential, and setting a fixed budget for homeschooling is a great way to ensure costs can be effectively managed. • Discounts and deals – searching online for discounts and deals available to homeschoolers can help reduce costs significantly.
• Tax relief – depending on the family’s circumstances, taxes may be reduced in certain cases, to reduce the overall cost of homeschooling. • Groups and communities – there are a number of homeschooling groups and communities available, who often exchange or lend resources, to help reduce costs.
7. Can Home-Schooled Children Attend College?
Home-schooled students in the UK can study for both A-Levels and GCSEs, and in some cases, also sit BTECs. As long as students are registered with an awarded Exam Centre, they are eligible to complete the same exams and courses as students attending school or college. It is important to understand that the college entry requirements for home-schooled students may be slightly different, and it is best to research these prior to starting the application process.
Additionally, some universities and colleges offer financial assistance to home-schooled students, so it is worth enquiring about this.
8. What Educational Records Need to Be Maintained?
It is essential to maintain accurate educational records as this will help prove that a suitable and full-time education was provided. In order to do this, it is important to keep track of the hours your child spends studying, the topics they have completed and any assessments undertaken. Additionally, it is useful to keep records of educational resources that were used and evidence of any books, services or websites your child has used.
9. Do I Need to Keep Records of my Curriculum?
Whilst it is important to keep of educational and assessment records, it is also useful to document what curriculum was followed. Again, this is useful to help demonstrate to the local authority or other relevant parties that a suitable and full-time education was provided. Your curriculum should include all subjects, topics, and materials covered as part of your child’s education, and no part should be left out.
10. Where Can I Find Resources?
Finding appropriate resources when homeschooling can be a challenge, especially depending on the specific educational approach chosen. There are many online sources, both free and paid, that offer resources, including curriculum materials, lessons, and activities.
It is also important to view local authority offering and look at specialist homeschooling bookshops.
11. How Should I Plan and Structure Learning?
every homeschooling style will have different structures and requirements, but overall planning and structure are both essential for successful home education. It is important to plan a typical day or week, and factor in realistic breaks, activities, and days out.
Structure is also important, as this can help with motivation and maintaining focus. Many homeschoolers use a timetable with specific times assigned to different subjects or activities, however this approach may not work for all.
12. How Should I Assess One’s Progress?
It is important to assess progress when homeschooling, to ensure that children are receiving a comprehensive and suitable education. Different assessment strategies exist, and depend on the chosen approach. These can range from setting standardised tests to using formative assessments and providing feedback.
Keeping track of assessments over time in a portfolio can also be helpful to spot areas of growth or potential issues, as well as provide evidence if needed.
13. What Age Is Suitable to Start Homeschooling?
The minimum age for starting homeschooling in the UK is five-years-old, and the legal obligation to provide a full-time education begins at this age. However, some parents and guardians choose to begin educating their children earlier, although there are no regulations surrounding this.
14. What Areas of Studies Should Be Included Within Home-Schooling?
The core areas of studies that should be included within a home-schooled education are Maths, English, Science and Humanities, although when homeschooling, the particular approach and courses chosen are more flexible. Art and Creative subjects, such as music and drama, should also form part of the home schooling curriculum.
In addition, practical and skill-based education can be included, such as learning a foreign language or coding.
15. Do I Need Qualifications to Teach My Child?
There is no legal requirement for parents and guardians to have qualifications when teaching their own child, as there is an assumption that parents or guardians know what is suitable for their own child’s education. However, parents are expected to teach subjects to the same standard as an experienced teacher, and familiarising oneself withthe curriculum and educational resources is essential.
Conclusion
Homeschooling your child in the UK can be an exciting, and daunting challenge. However, by understanding the laws and regulations, researching the available teaching techniques, sourcing appropriate resources and support, and understanding the implications on family life, parents and guardians can ensure they are ready to begin this journey. With the right resources and preparation, homeschooling can be incredibly rewarding, and pave the way for a bright educational future.