Home educating a school refuser

[cassgate]

Hi all,

Hoping some of you wise people may be able to help.

I have a friend whose 15 yr old daughter has severe school anxiety. She has other anxiety issues as well but the school anxiety is the worst. My friend literally has to dress her dd and man handle her into the car each day just to get her to school. Today, I casually mentioned to my friend that if she had the inclination she could home school her dd. She seemed quite keen on the idea and had no idea that she could do this. However, although it was my suggestion not sure how practical this really is as she only has a year left to go. Its not likely that she will pass many exams as her attendance has been very poor. Her dd is interested in pursuing a career in hair and beauty and her auntie has her own hairdressers and its likely that at 16 she will take this route via work experience/ college with her aunt. Is is feasable that she could do this now by de registering with the school and effectively being home educated. I guess she could study for IGCSE's in maths and english at the same time. Or is it really a question of her dd getting through the next year at school after all.

I should add that the school is aware of the school anxiety issue and she has been seeing a counsellor through school for a number of years but its made no difference. In fact its got a lot worse this past year with the threat of court action against parents for poor attendance.

If anyone has any advice it would be appreciated.

Sarah

[Rulesgirl]

Yes she needs to do a letter to the head saying that she will be de registering her child and that she will be educating dd herself under the education act........(date) .Look on the Education Otherwise site to find out how to do this. I did it for both my children for three years and they are now at Uni.

[SDeuchars]

She may be able to register with the college (new from this September for 14-16yo). Whether or not she does that, as long as the aunt's insurance covers it and they are within the law for hours worked by 15yo, there is no reason why she should not start immediately. She does not have to do GCSEs in English and Maths (although the college may insist on it alongside the vocational courses) - and she can be funded to do them at college until she is 19.