Supporting Home Educated Children

Some years ago, I wrote about home education and how it was on the rise. A news story on the subject caught my eye again the other day saying that there has there been another marked increase over the last year - a rise, in England alone, of over 10,000. Whilst the article focused on England, I suspect numbers have risen significantly here in Wales too. I am certainly seeing an increase in home educated children coming to see me for screenings and tuition. The article also claimed that many parents feel that they have no option but to withdraw their children from school. For many, it doesn't feel like a choice. The article made reference to parents who have abandoned careers to take on the role of home educator because the school system hasn't adequately met their child's needs.

For other parents sited in the article, the rigid nature of most schools - you either go all the time or you don't go at all - has led to many parents feeling forced to home educate as full time school has proved to be too much for their child. 

Having educated my child at home during the pandemic, I take my hat off to parents teaching their children at home. It is a huge responsibility and one that can be both challenging and rewarding in equal measure.

I work with lots of home educated children who have been let down by the school system. With severe budget cuts and overworked teachers, it isn't altogether surprising that they can't always cater for children, particularly those who are neurodivergent. 

Many home educating parents use tutors, like me, for additional support.To help pick up the pieces after what has often been a very negative experience at school and help children to rediscover their love of learning.

Tutors can, of course, provide tuition that caters specifically to a child's needs but they can do more than that. They can help to relieve anxiety and stress and, if required, provide help and guidance to families who are just trying to do the best for their children. 

For me, being able to support home educated children is a joy. I love watching them flourish as they get their heads around the craziness of the English language. I love helping to rebuild their confidence and watch them succeed. 

In all honesty, it can be hard enough to support a dyslexic child, even if they attend a supportive school, but navigating dyslexia as a home educator can be fraught. It is a real privilege to be able to help.

If you'd like to read the article in full, here's the link:  https://amp.theguardian.com/education/2024/mar/13/children-failed-why-more-english-parents-home-educating 

If you'd like support or advice for your child then Contact me today. I can help. Dyslexia and literacy tuition, dyslexia and dyscalculia screening and dyslexia training available.