How Do I Homeschool My Child?

Home schooling is an increasingly popular choice for families in the UK who want to take control of their child’s education. Whether it’s to create a more tailored learning environment, escape challenges in traditional schools, or simply embrace a new educational philosophy, homeschooling can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children. However, starting the journey can feel daunting without the right information. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to legally begin homeschooling, the best age to start, and practical tips for implementing homeschooling in the UK.

Understanding Homeschooling in the UK

1. What is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling, also known as Home Education, is where parents take full responsibility for their child’s education rather than sending them to mainstream school. In the UK, this is a legal and viable option for families who wish to educate their children at home. According to the law in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, children of compulsory school age (from 5 to 16 years old) must receive efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs they may have. This means that while parents have the freedom to choose how and what their children learn, the education provided must be comprehensive and tailored to the child’s individual needs.

How Do I Legally Start Homeschooling?

In the UK, homeschooling is a legal option for parents, but there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure compliance with the law. Homeschooling is also known as ‘elective home education’ (EHE), where parents choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to school full-time. The legal context surrounding EHE includes the responsibilities of parents to provide a suitable education and the role of local authorities in monitoring this. Here’s a step-by-step guide to starting homeschooling legally:

1. Understand Your Legal Rights

Parents in the UK have the right to educate their children at home. The law requires that the education provided must be suitable for the child’s age, ability, and aptitude, as well as any special educational needs (SEN). However, homeschooling does not need to follow the National Curriculum, offering flexibility in educational approaches.

2. Inform the School (If Applicable)

If your child is currently enrolled in school:

Write to the Headteacher: Inform them in writing of your intention to withdraw your child for home education. Make sure to notify the child’s school formally. The school will then notify the local authority of the change.
Special Schools: If your child attends a special school, you will need permission from the local authority before deregistering them.

If your child has not been previously enrolled in school, there is no requirement to notify the local council, but it’s still recommended to keep them informed as they may have financial support or other provisions in place to support you and your child at home.

3. Prepare for Local Authority Inquiries

Local authorities have a duty to ensure that all children in their area are receiving a suitable education. They may contact you to ask for evidence of your homeschooling efforts. While inspections are not mandatory, it’s wise to maintain a record of your child’s work and progress, including:

Samples of work.
A description of your teaching approach and schedule.
Any resources or materials you use.

Being prepared won’t take a significant proportion of your time and allows you to demonstrate that your child is receiving an appropriate education.

What Is the Best Age to Start Homeschooling at Compulsory School Age?

One of the great benefits of homeschooling is that it can begin at any child’s age. The decision often depends on the individual needs of the child and family circumstances.

Compulsory School Age and Home Education

1. Early Years (Ages 3–5)

Many parents begin homeschooling during the early years, focusing on informal learning activities that develop essential skills for a child’s education, such as:

Literacy and numeracy through play.
Social skills through community activities or playgroups.
Creativity through art, music, and storytelling.

The early years provide an excellent opportunity to nurture a love for learning in a relaxed, stress-free environment.

2. Primary School Age (Ages 5–11)

Starting homeschooling at the primary school level is a common choice for families dissatisfied with traditional schooling. This is a crucial stage for:

Building foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Introducing subjects like science, history, and geography.
Encouraging curiosity and exploration through hands-on activities and nature studies.

3. Secondary School Age (Ages 11–16)

Homeschooling at the secondary level often focuses on preparing for formal qualifications, such as:

IGCSEs or GCSEs: Many homeschooling families opt for these qualifications as they are widely recognised and keep the path open for higher education (i.e. university) and a wide range of career options.
Alternative Pathways: Options like Functional Skills or vocational qualifications can suit children with specific interests or career goals.

4. Post-16 Education

Homeschooling can continue into post-16 education, preparing students for:

A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
Vocational training or apprenticeships.
Independent study or creative projects aligned with career aspirations.

There’s no “perfect” age to start homeschooling—it depends on what works best for your family and your child’s unique learning needs.

How to Homeschool UK

Once you’ve decided to homeschool and completed the legal steps, the next challenge is creating a productive and enjoyable learning environment. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed:

1. Choose a Homeschooling Approach

The UK homeschooling curriculum is flexible, allowing parents to choose a method that suits their family’s goals. Popular approaches include:

Following the National Curriculum: This provides structure and ensures your child is on par with their peers in traditional schools.
Montessori or Steiner Methods: Emphasize creativity and hands-on learning.
Unschooling: A child-led approach where learning is guided by the child’s interests.

You can also mix and match methods to create a personalised homeschooling syllabus in the UK unique to your family which may or may not follow the typical academic year.

Plan Your Curriculum with the National Curriculum

While homeschooling doesn’t require adherence to the National Curriculum, having a clear plan helps ensure consistency. Consider:

Core subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science.
Creative and physical activities such as art, music, and sports.
Life skills, including cooking, budgeting, and time management.

Many parents use a combination of textbooks, online resources, and real-world experiences to design their curriculum. Being a home educator is almost like a full-time job in itself, so look for support groups with other homeschooling parents to help guide you and ease the burden!

3. National Curriculum and Homeschooling

The National Curriculum outlines the subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools in England. While homeschooling parents are not required to follow the National Curriculum, they have the option to incorporate it into their teaching if they wish. This can provide a structured framework and ensure that homeschooled children are on par with their peers in traditional schools. However, parents can also choose alternative educational approaches that better suit their child’s learning style and interests. The key is to provide a “suitable” and “effective” education, which local authorities define as enabling a child to reach their full potential and preparing them for an independent adult life. This flexibility allows parents to create a personalised education plan that meets their child’s unique needs.

3. Create a Routine

Establishing a daily or weekly schedule provides structure and helps children stay focused. A typical homeschooling day might include:

Morning sessions for core subjects.
Afternoon sessions for creative or physical activities.
Regular breaks to recharge and refocus.

Remember, homeschooling doesn’t have to mirror a traditional school day. Flexibility is one of its greatest advantages.

4. Leverage Resources

The UK offers a wealth of resources to support homeschooling families:

Online Platforms: Websites like Studdle provide interactive lessons aligned with the UK curriculum.
Libraries and Museums: Offer free or low-cost educational opportunities.
Homeschooling Groups: Joining a community can provide support, resources, and social opportunities for your child.

Additionally, hybrid or flexi-schooling allows children to split their time between home education and attending school part-time, which can help balance working commitments and provide social benefits.

5. Track Progress

Keeping records of your child’s work and achievements is not only helpful for local authority inquiries but also for evaluating their progress. Tools to consider include:

Portfolios of completed work.
Progress charts or spreadsheets.
Online tracking tools available through homeschooling platforms.

6. Address the Social Aspect of your Child’s life

One common concern about homeschooling is socialisation. To ensure your child develops social skills, consider:

Joining local homeschooling groups for group activities.
Enrolling your child in clubs or sports teams.
Attending workshops, classes, or community events.
Organising work experience or placements

Additionally, some parents opt for a part-time school arrangement, allowing their child attending school part-time to balance home education with social needs. How you wish to teach your child is completely up to you as you know them best, but please don’t underscore the importance of social development as many studies show that this directly affects their relationships as an adult in later life.

Ensuring a Suitable Education – a Term used by Local Authorities

Ensuring a ‘suitable education’ is a fundamental aspect of homeschooling. Parents must provide an education that supports the child’s physical, mental, moral, and spiritual well-being. This education should also prepare the child for adult life, including employment and further education or training. Local authorities may request evidence that the education being provided is suitable.

This can include:

lesson plans
progress reports
other documentation that demonstrates the child’s learning and development

Before starting to homeschool, parents should familiarise themselves with these requirements and be prepared to show that they are providing a comprehensive and effective education for their child. This proactive approach helps ensure that the child’s education is well-rounded and meets all necessary standards.

NOTE: if the local authority deems the education provided to your child as unsuitable they issue a school attendance order.