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Education

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Flexi time schooling or home education?

8 replies

Princesitalinda · 10/07/2006 18:44

Hello mumsnet mums! Its probably early times, but I am scratching my head about the subject of Education. I think is because my other mums friends are already registering their children (same age as mine) in the local schools.

I like the sound of some schools in my area, and would have no problem sending my little one to one of them... However I have a special situation to consider and is that we are planing to spend three months of the year in South America, as a family, so that our children can benefit from their extended family and culture. That would be for the whole of spring term (right after christmas).

My husband is English, and completely likes the idea as it will allow us to spend time as a family, and our children would grow to love their other half culture.

I am researching heavily, but nothing seem to be straightforward. If possible, I would like to have the option of flexi-schooling, whereas they receive school education whilst in England, and for the spring term (which is the one they will miss) we, the parents, can be responsible and home educate him, making sure he keeps up with the curriculum....

I wonder if any of the mumsnet mums have such an experience or can give further advice.... it will be great!

OP posts:
Chandra · 10/07/2006 18:54

Hola! I will be paying lots of attention to this thread. I have been thinking long and hard about this one as current legislation regarding abscences in term time doesn't help the keep links with a culture we may end up going back to in a few years time (I wish!), besides I would love DS to be educated following a Montessori style education which is not available in my area. I have taken some training in Montessori for the early years and my mother was a Montessori teacher trainer so I fantasise with the idea of home educating from time to time.

The only thing that I can suggest at the moment is to spend 3 months away now that you can, and for the coming years book the tickets well in advance and you may afford to got several months making them fall exactly with the school holidays.

Blandmum · 10/07/2006 19:08

depends o the age of the children.

It would not be practical if the children are secondary school age....too may GCSE courses contain modular study/ exams/ course work

hulababy · 10/07/2006 19:10

Not experience, however I know that it IS possible to do flexible schooling within the UK state system. The secondary school I taught had a boy who spent half the year in England and half the year in australia (his dad was a crickter). Thgis was an annual thing, not a one off. The school held his place open for him - this was an over subscribed, highly successful school too.

juuule · 10/07/2006 19:26

Flexi schooling is possible at the discretion of the Headteacher. more flexischool info

and there are plenty of children of compulsory school-age(5y - 16y) being successfully educated at home. Some taking GCSEs, A'levels and various other exams.

For more info on Home education

Blandmum · 10/07/2006 20:17

HE at GCSE level I have come across, but flexi schooling (where you don't 'call the shots' re what is being covered etc) would be *very difficult to co-ordinate

snorkle · 10/07/2006 20:31

Message withdrawn

juuule · 10/07/2006 20:34

It seems there can be some difficulties with flexi-schooling but there are some people doing it, so it must suit some. Further info here

Princesitalinda · 10/07/2006 22:19

Thanks to everyone that contributed with the topic! Very useful links, I was browsing some websites with lots of information....

Chandra, I am very interested in the Montessori system too. Tomorrow, in fact, I am going to visit a Montessori nursery in my area. Unfortunately, they only go upto 5 years there. However I heard of an other Montessori school (private though - pricey!) in a nearby town that goes all the way until 11.

What annoys me a bit about the info I find, is that the headteachers from the schools seem to have the last word.... I guess I am afraid that my reasons for doing my anual trip will not be enough for them to be happy to agree to share the education part time in England, part time abroad...

Anybody in mumsnet doing a part time education in this country and part time abroad?? would be nice to hear from you also!

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