Should I home-educate my child? Here are a few home-educating facts to help you make your decision.
Many parents are considering home education, or have already deregistered their children due to Covid fears and lack of mitigations in schools. I’m one of those parents and I deregistered my child in March 2021.
The reasons for home-educating children vary from family to family. Some parents home-educate their children because they want to be more involved in their child’s education. Others may have religious reasons. Still, others may want to give their child an alternative education that is not offered in the public school system.
Some people might think that home education is a throwback to the past, but it has become a popular educational option for many families today.
Home-educating children can be an excellent way to learn and grow, and it can also provide a sense of community and belonging that many public schools cannot offer.
Feel free to use my Deregistration Letter Template if you intend to deregister your child from school.
What’s The Difference Between Home Education and Home Schooling?
The main difference between home education and homeschooling is that home education refers to self-directed learning where the parents are responsible for teaching their children while homeschooling refers to learning which takes place in the presence of an educator.
Do You have to follow the National Curriculum?
You don’t have to follow the national curriculum, although, parents often want to do this because they don’t want to feel their children are missing out or they may want to send their children back to school at a later date.
Do You Need Qualifications to Home Educate Your Child?
No, you do not need qualifications to home-educate your child. You can be a qualified teacher or not, it doesn’t matter. The only requirement is to provide an education suitable to their age and ability.
How Much Does Home Education Cost?
It doesn’t have to cost much because so many free home education resources are available on the web and in various home education groups.
It’s important to note that home education does not mean you will never pay anything. You may need to purchase a curriculum, books, supplies, and other educational materials. Although exams are not compulsory for home-educated children, if your child wants to take exams, these will need to be paid for.
Can I Claim Benefits if I Home Educate My Child?
Home education does not affect your benefits, you are entitled to the same benefits as you would be if your child was in school.
How Many Hours Should I Home Educate?
No set number of hours must be spent at home educating your child, but it is important to keep their education balanced with other aspects of their life. Most people home-educate for three to four hours a day.
Do Both Parents Have to Agree to Home Educate?
There are no restrictions on who can home-educate, so either parent can home-educate without the other parent’s consent, although it is a good idea to discuss it with the other parent beforehand.
Why is Home Education a Good Idea?
Home education is a good idea for many reasons.
For one, it provides a better environment for the child to learn. They are in an environment they are comfortable in and not pressured by teachers and peers. This can help them focus on learning more effectively.
Home education also helps with social skills because they can talk to people more often and are not sitting in a class all day. Children get to mix with people of all ages.
The myth that home-educated children will lack social skills has been debunked. This is because they usually have a more varied social life than those who go to school.
Some children, who were educated at home, have developed a better understanding of the world and its people than their counterparts because they were able to learn about different cultures and ways of life through their parents’ experiences.
Resources
Century – We are currently using this. CENTURY is an AI-powered online home learning platform that tailors study materials to the needs of every child.
EdPlace – Home education app from year 1 to GCSE.
Entertainment Packs – toys, activities, crafts, educational items, books, learning activity workbooks, puzzles, games, collectables, healthy snacks & more.
Little Bakers – Baking kits for kids delivered to your door.
