Home Education

Education in England is compulsory for those aged five to sixteen, school however is not.  Section seven of the Education Act 1996 states that:

                                                                                  ‘The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full time education suitable a) to his age ability and aptitude, and b) any special educational needs he may have, either by attendance at a school or otherwise.' 

                                                                      (Education Act 1996, Section 7)

The otherwise is the statement is a referral to Home Education. 

 





Some parents elect to home educate their children. It is their sole responsibility to ensure that their children are getting the correct education. Parents could choose to home educate their children for a variety of reasons such as poor experience in schools, no schools nearby or for religious reasons. 
From an early age children learn a lot at home before they attend school as parents play a vital role in the development of children. Some say that all children could be home educated up until secondary age and would still be on the same level as if they’d attended school.
Children who are home schooled tend to have a strong bond with their parents. I do however think that this is because it may be all the child has ever known, and they may not have had the chance to form bonds with others.

I have personally never experienced home education and have never known someone whom has. I enjoyed my time at school and saw the social part as an important factor of my time in education. At school you get the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things from them, whilst working collaboratively towards the same goal, to gain qualifications. Whilst being home schooled you don’t have to learn the national curriculum, something which I think is a vital part of education. Those who teach children at home don’t have to have any particular qualifications, something which I think is needed. Some LEA’s work with the families and pay home visits, some however do not.
However I do understand that home schooling has its benefits. Whilst being home schooled children can work at their own pace as there tends to be no set time limit for work to be completed and the child gets a more one on one experience with the tutor whoever that may be. Learners have different learning styles, therefore with home education the child’s individual style can be catered for.
Some research has shown that children who are home educated are more self-disciplined and have a stronger work ethic as they manage their own learning and work load.