Homeschooling in the Uk?

[Lizsssy]

My partner just said something I didn't really think of, our eldest is 3 so school next September. He said would I consider home schooling, what have schools become etc and we could teach them better things

I was a bit taken aback I didn't think schools had gone to shit or anything and for me the pressure of our children's education in my hands is a bit scary! I'd only ever want whats best for them but I just wondered on people's opinions?

I mentioned the social aspect too And he said they'd get that from clubs etc and I don't know really I havent thought of it much

Do you send your kids to school?

You might be better off asking this to be moved to the home educating board. Given that 99% of people do send their children to school you aren’t going to get many helpful answers if you actually want to know about home ed.

It’s a huge decision and not one to make in an evening because your partner suggested it on a whim. Doesn’t really sound like you want to. And if you do decided to home ed everyone will tell you it’s the wrong decision. So unless you have a good reason to think your child will not enjoy school I’d suggest trying school.

I think children can have a perfectly good education through home ed or through school. It's quite rare that they actually NEED one or the other. The home ed groups also look great. I would have quite liked to do it. It didn't work out that way for us (largely because we moved to Germany and it's illegal here).

It is quite a big time commitment for either you or your partner though and will affect your earning potential even if you're able to find a home-ed friendly childminder. Is it worth it? I think it could be if you fall in love with the idea, but it's hard to argue with the logical point of it making more sense for children to be educated in larger groups rather than have each family have an adult dedicated to overseeing the education of a small number of chilfren.

Home schooling needs to be a decision you both take and are fully behind it.

I would sit down with him and ask what exactly his reasons are. And why you and not him? And for how long? Until A-Level/GCSE?
Who will fund tutors or additional classes? What happens if you want or need to go back to work?
Are any siblings planned which also need educating or disturb "school time" at home?

Also do look closely at schools available around you. Lots look like your average state school but we found there are miles between them.

I personally don't think HE should be allowed without any checks but I do know I am in a minority. I know of children where school failed them and how HE can be a godsend.

I have an ND child so I also have struggles but in the long run I believe school is better IF the parents (both) are invested in supporting and supplementing.

There is nothing wrong with looking at schools and even registering him for a 2026 start. You don't have to make a decision now but please don't shut any doors now.

Your question is a bit broad.
There's tonnes of books on the subject (John Holt, Naomi Fisher, Ainsley Arnott etc, etc). Lots of face book groups (local and national), podcasts etc. Start there and when you have a few ideas about it start asking questions. The quality of schools depends on the area and on what your idea of an education is.