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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| May 13 2009, 3:41 PM EDT (current) | beckyindevon | 1 word added, 17 words deleted |
| Feb 16 2009, 4:38 PM EST | beckyindevon |
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Home Grown Kids
Home Grown Kids started up in October 2006, it provides support for home educating families and home-educated children. The group meet on a weekly basis every Wednesday from 1:30pm 'til 4:30pm . These meetings allow parents to come together to chat, children to play and, if they wish, to be involved in slightly more formal educational activities. The group also arrange outings and events ranging from library skills workshops , jamming sessions, cultural days to bowling trips and activity days. There is also a regular social meet at Funder Zone in Barnstaple on Fridays .
The group also endeavour to source professional tuition in languages and other disciplines where required on a group basis at an additional cost.
The group includes children of all ages and abilities, and has a zero bullying policy. We have around30+ 30 families registered with the group.
Details of events etc. are communicated by e-mail, though contact by phone can be arranged where necessary.
Why home educate?
Home education is a legal choice under the 1996 Education act. Every parent is required to provide an effective education, whether in school or otherwise. However, effective does not necessarily mean the National Curriculum, nor a formal book based education. Most home educators are more interested in developing their children holistically, including their intellectual and social skills. Home educators vary considerably. Some use tutors or parent led tuition, often following formal courses of study or using workbooks linked to the National Curriculum. Some use an autonomous approach, following the children’s interests and simply answering questions and providing a rich learning environment. Most fall in the middle, doing the odd project or workbook, then letting the Summer flow with the children’s enthusiasm.
Does it work?
All the major research (funded by education authorities, so not unbiased!) has shown that children who are home educated are at least as skilled and knowledgeable as schooled children. Home educated children consistently outperform schooled children on formal school tests. Moreover, HE children develop skills communicating with adults, learn life skills, are more assertive and less likely to cave in to peer pressure than their schooled contemporaries.
What about exams?
HE children go on to all sorts of further and higher education. Children go on to college to do GCSE’s and vocational qualifications; put a portfolio of their work together for employers and universities and are accepted for degrees and courses; or go into the Open University or the Open College of the Arts. Some go on to 6th form to do A levels, without GCSE’s. There is now an exam centre in Exeter where home ed. children can take GCSEs and IGCSEs (no coursework required).
What about socialisation?
All children need other people to practice their social skills on and just for fun. Generally, social interactions at school are hurried and time limited, and often influenced by peer pressure and bullying. HE children are more likely to spend all day with a close friend, go camping or on sleepovers. They may not see their friends every day, but their time together is more satisfying. HE children are not restricted to their year group or own sex for friends.
What are the downsides?
One parent has to be at home to deliver the education! Many of our families are on a very low income as a result. Being with your children 24/7 can be wearing, especially if they are only children. Home education isn’t state funded: if you want to do chemistry you have to find the materials. The LEA (Local Education Authority) are required to ensure you are home educating effectively. You do not have to provide work, access to the children or even access to your home. Many parents provide a written report once a year and maybe meet with the LEA inspector once a year. Visits can be stressful.
How do I start?
First, find out more about HE in your area. Education Otherwise is a national charity that can give you local contacts as a starting point.
Next you need to write a letter to your child’s head teacher and let them know you would like your child withdrawn from the register as you intend to home educate them.
Then, join your local group.
Finally – come along to a range of events and socials and meet people. The best way to get involved is to help – join the committee, offer to help on a project or run a small workshop like meeting for a swim. Don’t be afraid to talk through any concerns you have – we have all been there!
Home Grown Kids started up in October 2006, it provides support for home educating families and home-educated children. The group meet on a weekly basis every Wednesday from 1:30pm 'til 4:30pm . These meetings allow parents to come together to chat, children to play and, if they wish, to be involved in slightly more formal educational activities. The group also arrange outings and events ranging from library skills workshops , jamming sessions, cultural days to bowling trips and activity days. There is also a regular social meet at Funder Zone in Barnstaple on Fridays .
The group also endeavour to source professional tuition in languages and other disciplines where required on a group basis at an additional cost.
The group includes children of all ages and abilities, and has a zero bullying policy. We have around30+ 30 families registered with the group.
Details of events etc. are communicated by e-mail, though contact by phone can be arranged where necessary.
Why home educate?
Home education is a legal choice under the 1996 Education act. Every parent is required to provide an effective education, whether in school or otherwise. However, effective does not necessarily mean the National Curriculum, nor a formal book based education. Most home educators are more interested in developing their children holistically, including their intellectual and social skills. Home educators vary considerably. Some use tutors or parent led tuition, often following formal courses of study or using workbooks linked to the National Curriculum. Some use an autonomous approach, following the children’s interests and simply answering questions and providing a rich learning environment. Most fall in the middle, doing the odd project or workbook, then letting the Summer flow with the children’s enthusiasm.
Does it work?
All the major research (funded by education authorities, so not unbiased!) has shown that children who are home educated are at least as skilled and knowledgeable as schooled children. Home educated children consistently outperform schooled children on formal school tests. Moreover, HE children develop skills communicating with adults, learn life skills, are more assertive and less likely to cave in to peer pressure than their schooled contemporaries.
What about exams?
HE children go on to all sorts of further and higher education. Children go on to college to do GCSE’s and vocational qualifications; put a portfolio of their work together for employers and universities and are accepted for degrees and courses; or go into the Open University or the Open College of the Arts. Some go on to 6th form to do A levels, without GCSE’s. There is now an exam centre in Exeter where home ed. children can take GCSEs and IGCSEs (no coursework required).
What about socialisation?
All children need other people to practice their social skills on and just for fun. Generally, social interactions at school are hurried and time limited, and often influenced by peer pressure and bullying. HE children are more likely to spend all day with a close friend, go camping or on sleepovers. They may not see their friends every day, but their time together is more satisfying. HE children are not restricted to their year group or own sex for friends.
What are the downsides?
One parent has to be at home to deliver the education! Many of our families are on a very low income as a result. Being with your children 24/7 can be wearing, especially if they are only children. Home education isn’t state funded: if you want to do chemistry you have to find the materials. The LEA (Local Education Authority) are required to ensure you are home educating effectively. You do not have to provide work, access to the children or even access to your home. Many parents provide a written report once a year and maybe meet with the LEA inspector once a year. Visits can be stressful.
How do I start?
First, find out more about HE in your area. Education Otherwise is a national charity that can give you local contacts as a starting point.
Next you need to write a letter to your child’s head teacher and let them know you would like your child withdrawn from the register as you intend to home educate them.
Then, join your local group.
Finally – come along to a range of events and socials and meet people. The best way to get involved is to help – join the committee, offer to help on a project or run a small workshop like meeting for a swim. Don’t be afraid to talk through any concerns you have – we have all been there!
