Hey there, new home educator! So, you’ve taken the plunge into the exciting world of home education—congratulations! Whether you’re here because of personal choice, or as a last-ditch act to salvage the mental wellbeing of your child , it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Perhaps you feel as if you have just leapt out of a plane without a parachute? But don’t worry; you’re not alone! Our team have compiled some helpful tips based on our own experiences to make your journey a whole lot smoother.
You have made a huge decision! Taking on full responsibility for your child’s education is no small feat, and it can be hard to know where and how to start.
But, you don’t need to have all the answers right now, and allowing yourself and your child to take a moment, gives you the opportunity to regain your equilibrium and consider what your “new normal” will look like. Take a few days to relax, connect, do some fun things together, and gather information and resources.
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your child is to seek out the support fellow home educators can offer you. Local groups, online forums, and social media communities can provide invaluable support. Don’t be shy! Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or local meetups to share ideas, ask questions, and celebrate your wins. You’ll find that most experienced home educators are more than happy to lend a helping hand, and you will be able to benefit from the knowledge and experience of those who have gone before you. If you want to know more about how to approach exams, there are specific home education exam groups on Facebook that can support you.
If you are really panicking, and feel that you would benefit from the experience and knowledge of a home ed veteran, you can book a private consultation with a mentor here.
Challenging your preconceived ideas about how education and learning take place is vital for a rewarding and meaningful experience for your children. Home education does not have to look like school! One of the coolest aspects of home education is the flexibility it offers. You don’t have to stick to a rigid schedule or follow conventional school hours. And, you will soon find that your child learns and gets more done in less time than it would take an entire class of children, and they can work at their own pace. You can make the most of those “teachable moments” whenever they happen, whether they be at bedtime, in the car (the best time!) or on a Saturday morning over breakfast! If your child is particularly interested in a topic, dive deep! Let them explore their passions and incorporate those interests into activities, outings and events. Do some reading and research of your own to inspire you. Some suggested resources:
“Teach your Own” John Holt and Pat Farenga
“A Different Way to Learn” – Dr Naomi Fisher
“Another Way to Learn” Compiled by Molly Ashton (Copies available to buy from Streams £10 including p&p)
Videos:
Dr Peter Gray (there are many – this is just one!)
Did you know that in the UK you are not required to follow the National Curriculum? The only time that curriculum and syllabus become relevant is if and when your child decides to sit exams, and even then, you can go about it in a very different way.
The internet is overflowing with resources designed specifically for home educators. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, Twinkl, BBC Bitesize and even YouTube channels offer lessons on everything from maths to art. Don’t forget about blogs and podcasts dedicated to home education; they can provide tips, inspiration, and real-life stories that make you feel like you’re not in this alone.
Take your time to explore what is out there by making use of free trials, and talk to other home educators about their experiences with resources.
Remember, what works for one family might not work for yours, and that’s perfectly okay!
Although it can be hard to find time for yourself, especially when you have small children, or children with high needs, try to make time for your own interests, hobbies, and relaxation. We always say that you should never stop playing, even when you’re an adult. When you do things for yourself that help you to feel good, be productive, and achieve your goals, not only are you modelling self-directed learning, life balance and exploration for your children but you’ll be better equipped to support your children’s education.
Check out local museums, groups, libraries, community centres and attractions — some of them even have programs specifically for home-educated kids. These can be fantastic ways to enhance your learning journey and provide opportunities for your child to engage with others. Many groups around the UK organise outings, educational activities, and clubs for home educators. You are also likely to find dedicated classes for sport and other activities in your area, such as art, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and ballet. Get involved and make the most of what your community has to offer!
The Local Authority (LA) have a duty to identify children in their area who are NOT receiving a suitable education and will probably contact you once they become aware that you are home educating. Try not to panic too much when you receive communication from them, but do make sure that you know your rights and responsibilities by reading the Elective Home Education Guidance for your country: England (there is a parents’ and LA version), Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
It is recommended that you never ignore any communication from your LA, but you are not legally obliged to meet or have a call with them, and may opt to keep all communication in writing. Written communication enables you to have all your interactions recorded, which can protect you and your family.
There are some very helpful and supportive Facebook groups which can give advice if you run into issues with your LA:
Home Education and Your Local Authority: Help with Dealing with Officialdom
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your progress—no matter how small! Every day you spend learning together is a step forward. Keep a journal of your journey, take lots of photos, and share with others the moments that make you smile. This record is for yourself, although you may want to consult it when you are writing a response to the local authority, which is valuable too, of course! You’re creating lasting memories, and that’s something to cherish!
Remember that here on our Streams website you can also share your stories for others to read and be encouraged!
So there you have it! With the right information and support, you’ll navigate the exciting waters of home education like a pro. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your family. Embrace the adventure, enjoy the learning process, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. You’ve got this!
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PS: Look out for an announcement from us in the New Year about our exciting opportunity for new home educators! If you haven’t already, sign up now as a member to receive our newsletter!