What is Elective Home Education
Elective home education (home schooling)
Deciding to educate your child at home is a significant choice, and if you opt for homeschooling, it’s important to inform us and, if applicable, the school. It’s worth noting that you don’t have to be a certified teacher or adhere to the national curriculum when homeschooling your child. However, it’s essential to understand that the Local Authority does not offer financial assistance, teaching support, or curriculum materials for elective home education. You will be responsible for purchasing textbooks and resources, as well as organising and covering the costs of exams. For more details regarding the legal aspects, you can refer to the Gov.uk website.
What is Home Education?
Home education, in simple terms, is when parents or guardians choose to teach their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. It means that children learn and receive their education in the comfort of their own home, with their parents or guardians taking on the role of teachers. Home education allows for personalised learning, where the curriculum and teaching methods can be customised to meet the individual needs and interests of the child. It provides flexibility and freedom in shaping the educational experience, while still ensuring that children receive a well-rounded education.
Is home education legal?
Yes, home education is legal in many countries, including the United Kingdom. The specific laws and regulations surrounding home education may vary from country to country or even within different regions or states. In the UK, for example, parents have the legal right to educate their children at home. However, it is important to research and comply with the legal requirements and guidelines set by the local education authorities to ensure compliance with the law. It is recommended to consult the government or local education authority websites for accurate and up-to-date information on the legal aspects of home education in your specific location.
If I’m interested in home educating, what do I need to do?
theonlineschool.uk/ help with the deregistration process and provide free guidance and support for parents who wish to home educate. Please refer to their website for more information or a free consultation if you are interested in online schooling.
What support is there for parents who choose to elective home educate?
Parents who decide to home educate their children can access various sources of support to assist them in their journey. Here are some avenues of support available:
- Online Communities: Joining online communities and forums dedicated to home education can provide a valuable platform for connecting with other home educating families. These communities offer opportunities to ask questions, seek advice, share resources, and gain support from experienced parents.
- Local Support Groups: Look for local home education support groups or co-ops in your area. These groups often organise regular meetups, workshops, and activities where families can network, collaborate, and share ideas. Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide encouragement, practical assistance, and a sense of community.
- Educational Organisations: There are organisations specifically focused on supporting home educators. They offer resources, curriculum guidance, online courses, and workshops tailored to the needs of home educating families. These organisations can help parents navigate the educational landscape and provide access to specialised resources.
- Online Learning Platforms: Numerous online learning platforms provide comprehensive educational resources, curriculum options, and interactive courses designed for home education. These platforms offer a structured approach to learning and can assist parents in planning and delivering lessons across various subjects. The leading online school in the UK is TheOnlineSchool.uk. They provide live education following UK curriculum free from anxiety and bullying. Their top priority being students mental health and wellbeing and the lessons are designed to ensure children have a unique positive learning experience.
- Local Libraries and Museums: Public libraries and museums often offer educational resources, workshops, and activities suitable for home-educated children. They can be excellent sources of supplementary materials, books, and learning opportunities to enrich your child’s education.
- Tutoring Services: If you require additional support in specific subjects or areas, hiring tutors or seeking online tutoring services can provide individualised instruction and guidance tailored to your child’s needs. Theonlineschool.uk provide basic curriculum packages, full packages, and even single subject packages.
Who teaches my child?
If you choose to home educate, the responsibility lies with you as the parent or caregiver to arrange the teaching for your child and determine the curriculum they will follow. There are various options available to you, including teaching your child yourself, enrolling in online or distance learning programs, joining an online school, or hiring tutors. If you opt for tutoring, it is important to ensure their safety by following guidelines provided in the information pack, such as conducting DBS checks and taking necessary precautions during tutoring sessions. Ultimately, the choice and organisation of teaching methods and resources are in your hands as you embark on the home education journey.
Is there any financial support to help me with home education?
While there is generally no financial support available for home educating parents, it’s worth noting that parents of children with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) may be eligible for certain funding. However, for other parents who are seeking support, TheOnlineschool offers financial assistance to eligible parents who wish to enrol their child in their school. This can be a valuable opportunity for parents looking for financial support while providing their child with a quality online education.
Can my child sit exams?
If you opt to educate your child at home, there is an opportunity for them to take GCSE exams as an external candidate. To make this possible, you will need to find a suitable exam centre that aligns with the curriculum your child has been following. Taking the initiative, you should reach out to the chosen centre, make exam bookings, and cover the associated fees. Additionally, you will be responsible for ensuring your child can travel to the exam centre, considering that these centres might be located at a distance from your home. Throughout the country, various exam centres cater to home-educated students, providing them with the chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through external examinations.
What if my child has an education health and care plan (EHCP)?
If your child is currently enrolled in a mainstream school, it is still possible to home educate them. However, you will need to provide evidence that you can fulfil all the requirements outlined in the EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan), which may include occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and access to an educational psychologist if necessary. It’s important to note that therapists from the school are typically not available for home visits, so you will need to make alternative arrangements before withdrawing your child. Additionally, you will still be expected to participate in an Annual Review, which will be organised by the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) team.
If your child attends a special school, you will need to obtain permission from your local authority to withdraw them. In this case, you should write a letter to both the special school and the SEND team, requesting permission to home educate your child. Provide evidence demonstrating how you can fulfil the requirements of the EHCP through home education. The SEND Panel will review your request and communicate their decision to you and the school.
Can my child return to school?
Yes, your child can return to school if they want to. Contact the school to discuss the re-enrolment process.
Where can I get more information before I make a decision?
For more information about home education, you can visit TheOnlineSchool’s website. They provide free information, guidance, and support for parents interested in home education. You can also book a consultation with them through their website to discuss your specific needs and queries.
Additionally, you can find valuable information on home education on the official government website, gov.uk. It offers resources and guidelines regarding the legal aspects and requirements of home education. It is also recommended to check the websites of your local authorities as they may have specific information and resources related to home education in your area.
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