The Coronavirus pandemic has forced thousands of children into homeschooling since March 2020. As a result, parental interest in homeschooling has increased, with parents worrying about their children’s safety and giving rise to the homeschooling debate. 

In 2020, a poll suggested that parents are considering this route for safety reasons. Parents did not feel safe sending their children back to school, stating it was not secure enough. The poll additionally suggested that almost 30% of parents planned to continue to homeschool for the foreseeable future. 

Until recently, UK parents viewed homeschooling as unconventional; however, choosing to homeschool is not a decision to be made lightly. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve broken down the potential positives and negatives of how this may or may not be suitable for your child. 

What is Homeschooling?

In the UK, it is a legal requirement that every child gets an education. However, this does not necessarily mean that they have to attend school to get this education; this could be in the comfort of their own home.

Parents have the right to teach your child at home, and this is called “elective home education” or “homeschooling”. You can get help with this from your local council. You may wish to either have your child attend school part-time, whilst you take the other half’s responsibility. Or you take the sole responsibility for your child’s education. 

Whichever choice you use, please note that not all schools will accept taking part-time pupils. Additionally, schools and local authorities are not required to give homeschooling parents any support.

Please note there are requirements you must meet, before thinking of homeschooling: 

According to the government website, if your child is currently at school and plans to take them out, you need to inform the school. If you need to take them out completely, the school is obligated to accept. But, if you still want to send your child part-time, the school can refuse. 

Furthermore, you need to request your local council permission if your child is attending school because of a school attendance order. It’s also relevant if your child has special education needs (SEN).

Additionally, if you withdraw your child from their school roll, their place will not stay open. If homeschooling doesn’t work, you may not be able to send your child back to the same establishment.

The homeschooling debate, why are parents choosing to homeschool? 

There are several reasons parents are now choosing to homeschool; this can range from health issues to special educational needs. However, recently the most significant factor influencing parents to homeschool their parents is the coronavirus pandemic. 

Parents who may never before have considered homeschooling are now worried that their children’s potential exposure to the virus at school can impact their health. 

In March 2020, a report showed interest in homeschooling skyrocketing by 119% in parts of England. However, the pandemic is not the sole reason, but parents claim that the online course schools provided were just not good enough. And others claim that their children just worked better at home than they ever did at school. 

Looking at both sides of the homeschooling debate:

The increase in parents wanting to homeschool has raised the question of is homeschooling better than the regular school attendance? Learn with Think Academy the advantages and disadvantages, and you decide if it is the option for you. 

Advantages of homeschooling

It keeps your child safe. 

The most significant advantage of homeschooling you can keep your child from the exposure to the coronavirus. It is the perfect way to social distance and staying clear.

Freedom to structure a curriculum and schedule. 

When you are homeschooling, you do not need to follow the national curriculum. What this means is your child can lead their learning. It leaves you and your child time to focus on things you enjoy, and may not have time for under normal circumstances. 

It also means that your child is not restricted to a timetable, hence if your child is more receptive after three o’clock, you can start school then. 

Moreover, parents can include subjects not typically taught in school, including their cultural heritage, religion and language. 

One to one benefits.

Most schools around the UK will have filled classrooms with over 25 students. It eliminates the possibility of one to one teaching, but this may be overwhelming for many students. 

However, with homeschooling, your child will get the benefit of one to one teaching, whilst understanding their struggles.

You get to spend time as a family.

You can spend more time with your child when homeschooling and parents can journey with their children when they go through challenging times.  

Moreover, there are no rules if you take breaks or holiday any time of the year. You can also make these as educational as you want. 

Disadvantages of homeschooling

You will be with your child constantly. 

There will be no breaks at all and you will have little time for yourself. This will be especially difficult when children become restless and misbehave. It can take a toll on yours and your child’s mental health. However, some families don’t mind being together all the time. 

It can be expensive 

This is one of the main reasons parents opt out of homeschooling because of the financial restraints. You will need to either work part-time or not work at all; this guides your children with homeschooling. 

Similarly, it is expensive to hire several tutors, as you will be responsible for all educational tools and activities. This includes sports activities or if you go on educational visits. 

Furthermore, if you plan for your child to take exams, you will be responsible for the cost. 

Limitations to your child. 

Homeschooling can come with several limitations, including fewer social interactions and limited exposure to the world. Their view of the world may also be narrow and biased. 

Also, your child may not be able to differentiate between home and school. This can result in your child having an unhealthy routine and limits their focus. 

As a parent, you need to consider all factors before taking this decision; you need to weigh both the article’s advantages and disadvantages. This is not a decision to take lightly. For more information on how to get educational resources from Think Academy, click here. 

About the author:

Dania is a mother of two and has been writing for almost five years. She has recently created her motherhood community “Mom Thinks”. Dania is an expert in writing articles about Education, Lifestyle and Parenthood.

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