To think that most people actually do understand, and therefore support, home education...

[PennyRa]

And it's just a loud minority that are ignorant?

OP is right that many people are totally ignorant of what home education looks like for a lot of families.

I've often noticed that people will complain about state schools (some justifiably and some unreasonably), then complain about private education because they like to pretend that the local small independent school is just like Eton and get nasty about parents who choose independent, but then they also complain about home education as well and get nasty about parents who do this.

Basically don't try to give your child the right education for them, whatever that looks like, just know your place and accept that your local school must be the best option

Like other people I'm in favour of a home ed register, but also think the staff in this area need to know more about education and get out their mindset that home education must equal school at home.

Both points have been covered here. The socialisation aspect has been well covered (is there a reason a school setting is superior for socialisation than anywhere else?!). The subject matter has been covered, with several posters stating they would or have hired tutors for subjects they couldn't teach themselves. I will be doing that myself if we are still doing this in a few years.

People don't want to hear it because they are narrow minded and simply can't get their heads round the fact that actually it is perfectly possible to educate your child, and educate them well, at home.

My mum was abusive and used it as a tool of isolation and avoiding SS. So my experience is biased.

I think it can be good if you have a little homeschool community and are actually being taught in a little group with other families.

Alone at home? Barring a specific need I don't think it's the way to go.

No, I don't. On the contrary I'm always careful to be positive about them with him. You don't me and you have no idea about my life.

School obviously didn't teach you open mindedness, did it.

Although I don't think the unschoolers help. Looking down on anyone who actually educates their child. Thinking their little darling will be the next bill Gates because they couldn't read till 8 + and doesn't have to do anything unless they decide to do it.

Yes they annoy me too because they are so evangelical about it. I got raised eyebrows because my 6 year old was reading himself The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. So obviously I must have hothoused him!

I don't think the socialising that home ed children do is in any way comparable to school. It's just so much more managed by the parents - the parents choose who to socialise with, who to have play dates with, many activities the parents will be present for. The kids don't get to have a life which is separate in any way.

As a child, I remember really liking that I got to be properly apart from my parents at school. And I was a weird kid with no friends.

I remember meeting a home ed child on a holiday drama camp, she was desperate to get people's numbers at the end to stay in touch. It was a bit sad how eager she was when the rest of us were going back to school to our existing friends. (I felt sorry for her and did try to stay friends)

I understand why it may be the best choice for some children with SEN but I don't think I do agree with it for NT children.

I don't choose who my child socialises with all the clubs he does with schooled children - Beavers, drama, art etc. His best friends are actually from those, as well as children of our neighbours he plays with.

I don't choose which home ed children he socialises with either - the meet ups are massive and you never know who will be there.

I’m currently on the edge of this argument. I have a child with ASD who has started reception and the wheels have fallen off. We’re waiting for an EHCP decision and then we need to fight for proper, adequate funding for a specialist placement. The LA have already asked me multiple times if I’ll home educate and I’m refusing. Not because I disagree with Home Ed but because for my child it’s the wrong thing to do and doesn’t help him. I also refuse to plug the gap the LA are trying to avoid.

They’ve mentioned the fact I’m a teacher as a positive and I’ve needed to remind them multiple times that I’m not HIS teacher, I’m his mum.

However, just because it’s not right for me and mine doesn’t mean it’s not right for many children and families. It shocks me on threads like this how blinkered some people can be on either side of the argument, and how unwilling or unable to consider that people make different choices that are right for their families. Whether that’s to be in school or home Ed.

Also, my child is not odd. He is autistic and is being failed by a broken system. Look at my 4 year olds broken little face, sad eyes and crying every day because he can’t go to school (currently only in school for 7 hours a week) and tell me he’s odd. He isn’t, he’s broken hearted.

People don't want to hear it because they are narrow minded

🙄

Yes a school setting is far preferable for socialisation as you have a wider, diverse group of kids not organised by their parents, so children learn to socialise for themselves.

I'm very sorry to hear this. Home education should be a positive choice and not something you are forced into doing because the school refuses to accommodate your child. The system sucks.

I'm amazed that you have regular "massive" meet ups. Obviously this must depend on where you live.

Being in school gives children exposure to many different types of personalities, cultures, subjects and experiences. This alongside the social element is hugely important to the development of children.
HE children I know have a sense of superiority and I wonder how they will ever really cope in the big wide world as adults! HE isn’t something I support.

My child does socialise with schooled children. Not sure what people are not understanding about that.

Also home ed circles post covid are much more diverse than they used to be. It used to be mostly a) middle class lefties b) conspiracy theory anti vaxxers c) people forced into it due to poor SEND provision. Not the case any more. There are now plenty of "normal" families doing it (like ours!).

I live in Bristol. There is a huge HE community here. Over 1500 members in the Bristol HE Facebook group.

It's a lifestyle choice. Something only affluent people can afford.

He is obviously crying at a desk writing from 9 to 3, maybe a 10 minute lunch break. Poor thing and he still won't be anything like Bill Gates like theirs. So sad he can't just be allowed to sit on games consoles/ tablets all day like their lucky children. That is what real home education looks like. 😅
They have a certain idea in their heads and refuse to believe anything else.

I've never spoken out about it but I don't support home schooling. Time away from the home environment is important.

Oh its You! The woman whos primary child has been 'diagnosed' as gifted and no school in the country can possibly facilitate their giftenedness , they are far too clever to do GCSES or A levels so will never need to do them. You also HE 7 days a week

It is certainly easier if you have money but you'd be wrong in thinking we are all affluent. I know many families who go without to be able to do it; they don't have much at all.

Not that that's really an argument against it either way tbh.

Are you talking to me? Because that's not me. He isn't gifted. He's bright but he's not gifted. And he certainly will be taking GCSEs.

I'm now wondering if I know you, though I don't think I do!
If you fancy a park meet or something sometime with someone who definitely won't raise an eyebrow, PM me! 😄

Home educated children do have time away from the home environment.

I know right!

Oh I would love to! Will PM you!