Covid opened everyone’s eyes to the possibilities of home schooling your children. Whilst this option is not for everyone, you may have found that your children benefited from not being in a traditional educational setting.
Home schooling is an option open to all UK parents and you don’t have to teach your children on your own. You can work with external tutors and be part of home-schooling networks.
Many parents find the challenge with home schooling starts as their child reaches GCSE age, where certain subjects demand more than what can be offered in the home. This is where Flexi-schooling could be an option.
What is flexi-schooling?
Flexi-schooling, also known as flexible schooling, is an arrangement where children aged 14 and above split their time between attending an FE college or other 16-18 education provider and being educated at home. This is a legal option, but you will need to find a school that agrees to this, as they are not under any obligation to do so.
How does flexi-schooling work?
Flexi-schooling can vary depending on agreements between you and the school or college. Children usually attend school for part of the week and receive home education for the remainder. The exact schedule can be tailored to suit the needs of the child and your preferences. This arrangement allows you to strike a balance between formal schooling, especially in science subjects that are difficult to teach at home and personalised learning experiences at home.
What are the pros of flexi-schooling?
- Personalised Learning: Flexi-schooling enables you to tailor the educational experience to suit your child’s unique learning style, interests, and pace. This personalised approach can lead to a deeper understanding of subjects and increased engagement with learning materials.
- Flexibility: As the name suggests, flexi-schooling offers flexibility in scheduling. You have the freedom to plan educational activities around family commitments, travel opportunities, or other extracurricular pursuits without being tied to a rigid school timetable.
- Stronger Family Bonds: Spending more time together as a family can strengthen relationships and foster a supportive learning environment. Being actively involved in your child’s education means you can provide guidance, encouragement, and hands-on assistance.
- Individualised Attention: With smaller class sizes during home education sessions, children may benefit from increased one-on-one attention from you or tutors. This personalised support can help address any areas of difficulty and accelerate learning progress.
What are the cons of flexi-schooling?
- Social Interaction: One of the primary concerns associated with flexi-schooling is the potential impact on socialisation for the child. Spending less time in a traditional school setting may limit opportunities for peer interaction and social development.
- Logistical Challenges: Balancing work commitments, home education, and school attendance can be logistically challenging. It requires careful planning and coordination to ensure that your children receive a well-rounded education.
- Approval Process: Not all schools may be open to the idea of flexi-schooling, and getting approval can sometimes be a frustrating process. You may encounter resistance from educational authorities or face additional administrative hurdles.
Using a tutor for extra support
If you’re considering flexi-schooling, employing a tutor can be a valuable resource, for both you and your child. Tutors can provide additional support in specific subjects, offer guidance on curriculum planning, and help keep children motivated and on track with their learning goals. Whether it’s addressing gaps in understanding, preparing for exams, or exploring advanced topics, a tutor can complement the educational experience and enhance the overall quality of learning.
Tutorful tutors are committed to providing the support and expertise your child needs to thrive.
How to Apply for Flexi-Schooling
- Read the government’s guidance to parents and local authorities.
- Speak with your child’s current school to discuss the possibility of flexi-schooling.
- Outline your reasons for choosing flexi-schooling and how you intend to structure your child’s education. Consider factors such as scheduling, curriculum, and resources needed to support home learning.
- Notify the local authority of your intention to pursue flexi-schooling. Provide them with a clear overview of your plan and get the required permission.
- There is a large home-schooling network. Connect with other parents who have experience with flexi-schooling. You could join online forums such as the Home Education UK Facebook group, attend local support groups, and seek guidance from educational professionals or tutors.
- Home education and flexi schooling do not have to be forever. Regularly review your flexi-schooling arrangement to assess its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. You are allowed to stay flexible and responsive to your child’s evolving needs and educational goals.
- Flexi-schooling is an option if your child is not thriving in a full-time school environment. By looking at your situation carefully, you can create a tailored learning experience that meets the needs of your children and lets them thrive academically and personally.
