Homeschooling possible in England?

[NoraJadesMama]

We are considering taking my dh's sabbatical in England but he keeps hearing that school is compuslory there. We're homeschoolers, and not only would we want to homeschool there, but we'd like to hook up with other homeschoolers. I find this hard to believe. Any Brits out there care to enlighten us? Thanks!

[teachinmaof3]

Disclaimer: I'm not from England and don't know anything about the laws there.

However....I do know of one HS Mom in England. So it's not impossible! GL!

* Did some searching for ya:

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/regional/UK.htm

http://www.nhen.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=508

HTH some...

[tiffani]

I was just going to ask if HS'ing is legal in Italy, specifically, but Europe in general...my landlord seems to think no one in Italy HS's.
just curious...

[phathui5]

This is from HSLDA:

Homeschoolers in England have been able to educate their children without undue interference from educational authorities. Wales is also enjoying a similar educational atmosphere. Scotland, on the other hand, is a little harder, and is dealt with on another webpage.


Education law and regulations are made by the government but are generally interpreted and implemented by local authorities. The law is somewhat vague and requires that children receive an education "suitable for their age and aptitude, at school or otherwise." The homeschoolers have successfully practiced under the term "otherwise." Often if the authorities find out that family is homeschooling, the family will get a visit from the Local Education Advisor to ensure that the child's education is adequate. Fortunately, most of these inspectors and advisors are not harassing the home educators. The law does not give them any specific authority to approve or disapprove the homeschool. In Scotland, on the other hand, home educators must first get approval of the local authority's Chief Education Officer.


Home Service was established ten years ago, and homeschoolers have yet to face a major court battle. The organization promotes homeschooling in the media, works to network homeschoolers in England, and spearheads strategies to expand parental rights to choose homeschooling.

[BeccaJ]

Check these out for some useful info:

http://www.underhill.nildram.co.uk/
http://www.home-education.org.uk/
http://www.heas.org.uk/
http://www.muddlepuddle.co.uk/
http://www.education-otherwise.org/
http://www.schoolhouse.org.uk/ (Scotland)


HTH

[nomadmom]

We're homeschoolers in England. It is legal. You do not have to notify any "authorities" unless your child is registered w/ a school and you're removing them. There are support groups all over the country, and even large-scale annual events. Any idea where you might go?

[NoraJadesMama]

WOW! So many resources, so much encouragement! Thanks ladies! I am so relieved.

Originally Posted by nomadmom

We're homeschoolers in England. It is legal. You do not have to notify any "authorities" unless your child is registered w/ a school and you're removing them. There are support groups all over the country, and even large-scale annual events. Any idea where you might go?

We would go to Cambridge. I'd really want to find out if there are other homeschoolers and, you know, AP type cool families in general. And that it's a family friendly kinda town. Any ideas?

Where are you, nomadmom?

Thanks!
Hilary

[UKEmma]

Hello,

I am also from the UK and home educate my 2 children. I'm not in Cambridge but I know that there are many home educators there - I have no idea how many of them attachment parent though. It may be a good idea to join education otherwise as you would be sent a handbook with the names and contact details for families all over the UK.

Hope this helps,
bright blessings,
Emma
x

[nomadmom]

Hilary asked, "Where are you, nomadmom?"


Near Manchester. I don't know anything about Cambridge, but many of our homeschooling friends here also are AP/NFL.