future HE essex

[bec232]

HI my ds is 2 and im seriously thinking about home educating him. My mum is a deputy head and she has provided me with loads of information etc but i was hoping someone who has first hand experience could tell me where they started really? pr are any of you in a simular situation to me? i would ideally love for my son to build a relationship with other future he children.
thanks and i look forward to your replies

Hi,

My son is 2 and I'm also considering HE.

I'm currently training to be a teacher and I feel quite prepared for the routine of it all.
I do worry about relationships / friendships tho.

think its a natural worry and its so hard to know where to start are you in essex? my son is naturally very self assured tho a little shy sometimes to start with so i dont worry about him forming friendships but i have contacted local he groups but none of them for children so young all 6-7etc. i have friends who have young children but would ideally like him to meet other future he children. why are you considering he if you dont mind me asking?

I'm considering it as an option because DS isn't great with crowds / busy environments. He learns brilliantly in a quiet (pref. outdoors) environment. He's fine with one-on-one activities with other children, but more than about 5 kids and he's just a bit overwhelmed. He switches off.

obviously, that might change so I am looking at schools too, but I'm quite prepared not to put him through it if it's not right for him, as I think I'm quite similar to DS.. I still hate large crowds and prefer to see my friends in smaller groups where we can talk IYSWIM

The school my parents sent me to was very rigid catholic school and I hated it from the day I started until the day I left. I literally would be welling up walking into school and then just day dreaming about getting out of there. I was lucky that I got through my GCSEs and A levels well enough to go to university, but it could have so easily turned out differently. It had nothing to do with being bullied (I wasn't) or not having any friends (I did, but not ones I kept in contact with after I left), I just hated the whole set up.. the rigidity IYSWIM.

So that's my primary concern for DS.

No, not in Essex... but not a million miles away in herts...

hi i feel very simular i loved learning but hated the rigidity of the system that doesnt give enough room to focus on a childs individulity and strengths. i have been looking at schools but am really finding that the environment and system are not seemingly suited to my sons needs, or not best for him.
i just want him to love learning and not be waiting all day to get out of school as i did. have you done any research locally/had any sucess finding other he children?

Yes, done lots...

have found some schools I think would be good for DS (we'll see) and if not, I'll HE.

Have done lots of research into HE and 9especially) how to promote social interactions and I think it's possible to promote HE so that the child feels quite positive about it.

The social aspect really isn't an issue once you start to meet more Home Edders. I'm in Essex and there are a lot of HE people about. you can contact Education Otherwise and find out about organised meet ups.

I just thought I'd add that my DS was a little older than yours when I first decided to HE. At first I felt 'odd' as it seemed like I was the only person who was thinking of not sending their child to school. Once you start meeting more people who have chosen not to opt in to the system you begin to build your confidence more. In Essex there are over 1000 registered Home educated children and I know many who aren't registered, so you'll have no problem finding other children for your DS to socialise with.

thanks i seem to having problems finding groups locally, but i have arranged to meet someone from a group a distance away just ot have a chat.
guess yea im just feeling a bit isolated at the moment everyone just assumes ill be sending ds to school and the more i think the more im leaning towards he.
mung does your ds enjoy he? about how old was he when you started?

I hope you begin to feel more at ease with your decision soon. My DS does love all things we do with HE friends, but then again, he doesn't know otherwise. Have you tried your MN local to see if there are any other HEdders near you? There are a few of us on the Colchester local.

I hope your meet up goes well.

There is a group in Chelmsforc once a month if youbare near there. It's not on until September now, but you could contact Education Otherwise to get the details.

i am very near colchester so will check out that local board-thanks.

You can CAT me for more information I'd you want. There is a meeting in Castle Park on Thursday.