By Gavin Mackintosh–
According to data from the Department for Education (DfE) in England, the number of home-educated children has been steadily increasing in recent years.
Many parents have over the years opted to privately educate their children to maximise the academic potential of their children. In some cases, parents home school their children to shield them from bullying and bad influence.
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Research suggests that up to 45% of home schooled children study for up to five hours a day under supervision, but some children insist of taking a few days off. Most study at least 16 hours a week, and are psychologically supported by being told they have an advantage over their peers at school.
In the academic year 2019-2020, there were approximately 75,668 children in England who were registered as being home-schooled.
Last year, more than 115,000 children were home educated, a third higher than the pre-pandemic level. The 2021/2022 academic year saw 81,000 pupils receive a home education, the equivalent of 80 average-sized secondary schools.
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A spokesperson from The best schools guide told The Eye Of Media.Com:
”A lot of parents opt for home school children . There are a lot of online resources parents can follow in tutoring their children. Such parents will have no job but have plenty of academic training. They would usually be university educated.
”During the pandemic, the Department Of Education put a lot of resources online under The Oak National Academy which a lot of parents use. It draws from a lot of material in the national curriculum with incredible resources”
‘Home Schooling is a bigger deal in America than the Uk, with many parents opting for training their children’.
”However, it is important to note that this figure may not capture all home-schooled children, as registration is not compulsory in the UK, and some families may choose not to inform the local authorities.
Growing Numbers Of Home Schooled Children
Prior to the pandemic, the cohort of children who are home educated was growing by around 20 per cent year on year.2 The cumulative number of children who were home educated over the course of last year was over 115,000. This is an alarming 34 per cent higher than before the pandemic.3
Research has revealed many instances where parents took their children out of school because they believed that school was no longer a safe environment. Many parents cite difficulties with accessing SEND provision, a lack of support for mental health and serious incidences of bullying as reasons for opting for home education. These parents feel that schools are failing to meet their children’s needs.
A concerning number of parents being coerced into home education for reasons other than the child’s best interest – known as off-rolling. In these cases, parents are often left deliberately uninformed about the consequences of being moved off-roll, as well as little or no support with home education.
It is not clear how many children are being home educated or whether any groups are more likely to move off-roll than others because so little data is collected. 9 in 10 local authorities believe they have not been able to identify every child in home education.
However, existing data suggests that children who are moved out of school are disproportionately likely to be eligible for free school meals, have an EHCP or SEN support and have a history of absences and school exclusions.
Due to a lack of data on home educated children’s outcomes, we cannot make firm conclusions about the overall quality and suitability of home education. From the limited data available, we know that many parents are delivering a high-quality home education for their child. However, some home educated children are being left without access to an appropriate quality of education, with parents ‘struggling to cope’.
Safeguarding concerns
Most concerningly, an important minority of children who are home educated have been subject to safeguarding concerns. In 2020, The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel uncovered 15 incidents of harm involving children reported to be in home education. These cases included severe harm such as serious neglect, emotional abuse and intra-familial abuse.
In three of the cases, the children had died. The Panel concluded that these children were often invisible; they were not in school and did not receive.
Academically, home schooled children often perform better than their traditionally schooled peers. This is because they are not held back by the limitations of a traditional school system. They are also able to get more one-on-one attention from their teachers, which leads to better academic outcomes.
”Home schooling has a good track record”, the good schools guide spokesperson said
High Level Of Commitment
Home schooling requires a high level of parental involvement and commitment from parents, many of whom are dedicated to providing an appropriate education, creating a structured learning environment, and ensuring the child’s progress and well-being. A parent’s ability and willingness to devote time and effort to their child’s education are crucial factors in determining effectiveness.
Home schooling families often have different educational philosophies and approaches. Some may follow a structured curriculum, while others may adopt a more flexible or unschooling approach. Choosing an educational philosophy and approach that aligns with the child’s learning style, interests, and goals can contribute to the effectiveness of home schooling.
Research suggests that parents home school their children for a variety of reasons.
Some are particular about their children mixing with children from bad homes who may influence them negatively, and would rather take on the task of training their kids at home academically.
Availability of Resources
Homes schooling requires access to appropriate resources such as textbooks, educational materials, online resources, and learning tools. Having access to a variety of resources that support the curriculum and meet the child’s educational needs is important for effective home schooling.
Families involved in home schooling can benefit from support networks, including local home schooling communities, co-ops, online forums, and educational organizations. These networks provide opportunities for socialization, sharing resources, exchanging ideas, and seeking guidance from experienced homes choolers. The availability of supportive networks can enhance the effectiveness of home schooling.
Socialization Opportunities
Providing ample socialization opportunities for homes schooled children is crucial. Engaging in activities such as community events, sports clubs, group classes, and field trips can help home schooled children develop social skills, interact with peers, and broaden their horizons.
Assessment and Evaluation
Developing an appropriate system for assessing and evaluating the child’s progress and achievements is important for effective homeschooling. Establishing benchmarks, setting goals, and utilizing various assessment methods can help monitor the child’s educational development.
Home schooled children often benefit from emotional and social support from their parents, family members, and friends. Building a strong support system that nurtures the child’s emotional well-being and offers opportunities for social interactions can positively impact the effectiveness of home schooling.
The effectiveness of home schooling can vary depending on individual circumstances, including the child’s needs, parental capabilities, and available resources. What works well for one family may not work for another. Thus, considering these factors and tailoring home schooling to meet the child’s unique requirements is essential for successful outcomes.
Effectiveness of Home Schooling
Assessing the effectiveness of home schooling can be challenging due to variations in approaches, resources, and individual circumstances. However, several studies and research have explored this topic. Here are some key points:
Research suggests that home schoolers can achieve academic outcomes comparable to or sometimes even better than their traditionally-schooled peers. Factors such as individualized instruction, flexible curriculum, and personalized attention may contribute to their success.
One concern often raised about home schooling is the potential lack of socialization opportunities. However, studies indicate that home schoolers often participate in various social activities outside of traditional school settings, such as sports clubs, community organizations, and social groups, allowing for social interaction and development.
Home schooling requires a high level of parental involvement, which can positively impact the child’s educational experience. Parents can tailor instruction to their child’s learning style, pace, and interests, providing a more personalized and focused learning environment.
Education researcher Joshua Hopwood said: H”ome schooling can present challenges as well. Parents need to have the necessary resources, time, and commitment to provide a well-rounded education. Some potential challenges include limited access to specialized subjects, extracurricular activities, and structured assessment methods.
. Individual Factors
The effectiveness of home schooling varies depending on individual factors such as the child’s learning style, parental expertise, and availability of resources. What works well for one family may not work for another.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of home schooling can be influenced by various factors, including the child’s needs, parental capabilities, and support systems. Each case is unique, and the success of home schooling depends on the individual circumstances and the commitment and resources available to the family.
It is advisable for families considering home schooling to thoroughly research and explore the legal requirements, available resources, and support networks in their respective countries or regions to make informed decisions regarding their child’s education.
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