Not back to school 2025 edition

It’s everywhere isn’t it? Back to school adverts, uniform bundles in the middle of Lidl, discounts on stationery.

Some families are absolutely thrilled – some kids are ready for the routine to start up, and want out of the house and to be back with their mates, and maybe schoolwork isn’t their favourite activity, but it’s not the worst thing either, and that’s OK.

But some families are dreading it. Some kids are already starting up with nightmares, or stress stomach aches, and they’re begging for an alternative. There is another way. Home education is a legal and valid alternative – and I should know, we’ve been not going back to school pretty much since 2004.

You don’t have to replicate school – we certainly don’t. If your child is of an age or inclination to work towards exams, then you’ll have to follow that specific curriculum, but otherwise, the requirement is to provide an education that is suitable to age ability and aptitude and any other special needs the child may have. (I’m paraphrasing a little here, I have fuller articles around all of this if you need more details.)

So what could it look like? Well, it depends on you and your child. For younger children, it’s probably just an extension of what you’re doing anyway as a parent. Crafts, books, outings. Helping round the house (life skills!), baking, clubs, sports – whatever works! Social activities with home ed groups, or uniformed groups, or sports or activities – if that’s your thing. It’s also fine for social to be smaller and more tailored to your child. Not all of us enjoy the big group thing, and that’s OK. The world would be a boring place if we were all the same.

As home education has become more popular, you’re likely to be spoiled for choice for activities. In some areas there are groups and outings every day of the week – but if there isn’t something set up that you want, you can always set it up yourself.

Do make sure you find your local home ed community – there’s likely to be one or more groups on facebook and probably a handful of whatsapp groups too.

One thing though – don’t over commit. And ok, two things. You don’t need to buy all the things. (That’s a tongue in cheek post I’ve linked, but it has a serious point. We often run out and buy all the things, and then most of them languish untouched until we offload them years later. Or is that just me? I don’t think it is…)

You really do not need a house full of resources. Or a subscription to six different services. There are groups set up to share low cost recommended resources – but give yourself a budget, and don’t go wild.

As your kids get a little older you’ll likely find the patterns of your home education changing. They get to develop interests of their own, and the beauty of home education is that they can dive in and really develop those interests and skills without it being limited to a 40 minute lesson slot, or a topic on the curriculum. You might start to worry about how you’ll teach subjects that weren’t your strong point – but you don’t have to teach. You can facilitate, help them find resources, use free online sessions like Theatre of science (streams on facebook or youtube) or Joyful Maths with Ruth. There are discounted group sessions via groups like The £2 tuition hub or AWE club and new resources springing up all the time. I’ll do another post listing more resources next week (do sign up to my mail list to be kept up to date with my posts!)

So if you’re looking into home education, and weren’t sure where to get started, I hope I’ve given you some ideas. According to the media this week, nearly a third of parents are or have considered home education because of bullying – if that’s you then welcome. You got this. Take it one day at a time, and breathe.