The Advantages of Home Education in the UK

Have you considered home education for your child?

While traditional schools offer a valuable foundation, home education provides a unique and enriching alternative. Here, we explore the many benefits of home educating your child in the UK, along with practical tips to get you started.

• Tailored Learning: Every child learns differently. Home education allows you to create a curriculum that caters to your child's individual pace, interests, and learning style. Whether they're a budding historian or a future robotics whiz, you can design lessons that ignite their passion for knowledge.
• Stronger Bonds: Home education creates a deeper connection between you and your child. You become their guide and mentor, actively participating in their educational journey. This experience will strengthen your relationship and create lasting memories for you.
• Socialisation on Your Terms: Concerns about socialisation are a common worry. However, home education doesn't mean isolation. There a hundreds of ways you can create opportunities for your child to connect with others through clubs, sports teams, and home education groups. 
• Flexibility and Freedom: Home education allows you to ditch the rigid school schedule. Learning can happen anywhere, anytime. Travel the world while learning about different cultures, or delve into a historical period by visiting local museums. The possibilities are endless! On average home educated children learn for around 2-3 hours per day, because of the 1 on 1 tailored approach.

So how do you start?

• Research the legalities: Home education is legal in the UK, but there are specific requirements you need to meet. The government website (https://www.gov.uk/home-education) provides a comprehensive overview of your responsibilities. 
• Explore curriculum options: The UK offers a variety of curriculum options for home educators. The National Curriculum is a good starting point, but don't be afraid to explore alternatives like Montessori or Waldorf methods.
• Connect with your local authority (LA): Inform your LA about your decision to home educate. They will be able to offer guidance and support.
• Embrace the Resources Available: Numerous resources are available in the UK to support home educators. Websites like the Education Otherwise (https://www.educationotherwise.org/) and The Home Education Advisory Service (https://www.heas.org.uk/home-education-getting-started/) offer valuable information and connect you with other home educating families.