I completely understand your frustration and relief. When the forms came through for my two (ages 8 and 12), I felt very nervous. I sat for hours and worked so hard to complete them. I packed so much information into them and felt proud of all our learning and my kid's progress since leaving mainstream. I sent the forms back with 24 hours. That was over 2 months ago and I've heard nothing. It frustrates me that mainstream education let both of my autistic children down, they have flourished since we've been home-educating, and yet I need to prove that I (their mother) am doing a good job when the school didn't have to, only then to hear nothing!
Ahh thank you for sharing your story. Can totally relate to putting your all into it and being met with radio silence for a long period. I get that they have a lot to get through, but it does feel disheartening. So pleased to hear your kids are flourishing now 💕
No news is good news, however it is rude and unprofessional of them not to reply to your report. I'm blessed, my LA ladies are brilliant. They never overstep the mark, give us plenty of notice and always get back in touch really quickly.
As a home educator in France, I can only say you are so lucky to have such support from the authorities in your country and the amazing encouragement from that letter. It is such a stark contrast with the treatment we get here with much criticism, suspicion, and overall negativity over the decision to homeschool (for which we now have to ask permission and permissions are rarely granted)
Hi there. Thanks so much for your comment. Wow, that’s really interesting. I wasn’t really sure on the rules in France. Sorry to hear it sounds so difficult over there. Certainly here it seems to depend on which local authority you are under and I certainly seem to have to be under one of the more relaxed ones. I have heard of others having much more trouble so grateful for that!
I’ve been waiting for this video, thank you so much for sharing, I can imagine how stressful this was. I’m so terrified for when our time comes. I love that you mentioned how it took away your attention from actually home educating whilst writing it, understandable…they don’t seem to consider that do they 🙄 Would you be able to do a video on tips for report writing maybe? I think it would be super helpful 🥰
Oh I just got to the end of your video. It’s understandable, I’ve always been concerned about LA control etc it’s scary. I would definitely love to know about the report writing and any tips you have ❤
Absolutely! I really want to do a video about report writing, so will get to work on it. 👍👍 It’s funny isn’t it how they are asking you to tell them about your kids education while completely taking away the time you have to educate them! I’m hoping my second report will be a lot more brief. Hate to think you are feeling terrified about it. I totally get what you mean, but try not to be too worried about it because I think it ends up dictating how we home Ed our kids, and it’s so important we don’t make choices out of fear 💕💕 I guess it’s easy to say in hindsight but, in a way, it did work out ok in the end
@@nurturingdiscontent I totally agree also I cannot explain how relieved I feel for you. Your video about them turning up on your door was how I found your channel and honestly I’m beyond elated it’s all worked out ok for you, because that was such a scary and inappropriate thing to happen. Aww thank you, I’m sure I’m just overthinking it all, I’m definitely one to do that haha he’s only 3.5 so I’ve got a while yet but it still plagues me sometimes. I want to unschool him and follow his interests. I read a book recently called the call of the wild and free and it was just so refreshing and really put my mind at ease.
I’ve read that Call of The Wild + Fre too, it’s really a lovely book. If you like books in that genre you might like some of the other ones in my books video on my channel. 📚📚Also today I’ve just bought Naomi Fisher’s new book, A Different Way to Learn, so hope to do a review on that one too!
@@nurturingdiscontent it really is a lovely book. ooooo thank you I’ll check it out when I get a min and grab my notepad and pen 🥰 I’ll look forward to the other book review too 😁 I’ve heard good things about Naomi Fisher.
Aww, yes totally get what you are saying! i’m so glad you got s positive response but i’m literally with you on the sort of… who do they think they are?! thinking they know what is best for our children! Thank you so so much for sharing this journey. I would love to see more videos on reporting to slightly ease the anxiety of that. My eldest is 4 in March so my school applications would be now so i’m looking to gain as much support and knowledge as possible. I always look forward to your videos 🙌🏻 xxx
Hey there! Sorry I somehow missed this comment until recently; thanks so much for your kind words again! Great to have you here on this journey! I'm almost certain I will make a video on reports now, as it seems a few people feel the same. I just want to put as much thought and attention into it as I can, to get it right for everyone 💕 Oh yes, I guess your eldest would be due to start school next Sep then? Are you planning to apply and decide closer to the time, or have you made your mind up 100% on Home Ed?
Thanks for the update! I Would love to see a video on report writing, it’s definitely an ongoing worry of mine. I’m so happy for you that your reports were well received 😊
Hey there! It is pretty much certain I'll do a vid on this as it seems a few people feel the same. I just want to give it a lot of time and attention to get it right for everyone 💜. I hate that the prospect worries people so much, and I was definitely in the same boat. Thank you for your kind comment. Wishing you all the best on your home ed journey!
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Hey Keelie. More than happy to help with questions you have. If you’re looking for more info on report writing I’ve now released that video 😊. Let me know if you have any questions x
Hi, new to the channel. Thanks for sharing, we are home schooling 4 & 1 year olds in Wales. The info here is so useful & I felt your comment about having to justify our home ed decision was very accurate. Looking forward to watching all of your videos. Take care
Thanks so much for being here and leaving a comment. Always great to connect with other home educating families, and I'm glad this vid resonated with you. Best of luck on your home ed journey!
You took the words out of my mouth... I thought exactly what you said, that this lady has never even met your children yet she is supposedly more concerned than you are with their education? Wow! That blows my mind... the audacity! People are dying to have some sort of control and they seem to hate it that all of the children are able to be easily accessed and monitored. I live in the states in Texas and it is probably one of the most lenient as far as education goes for homeschooling. I certainly appreciate that part. No testing or monitoring. The only part that is not great is the lack of financial support. Curriculum for educating and participation in sports is all the responsibility of the parents,which would be fine if we weren't still paying such an expensive amount of taxes for the schools that we are no longer using. Which in my opinion means that I am being forced to pay for something that is no longer being used by our family. It sort of feels like a punishment for not complying to the norm. Well, I for one I'm sorry that you had to experience that, but I'm glad that it's over at least for now and that you have proved that you are educating your children properly.
👏 The. Audacity. 👏 You’re so right!! The lack of control absolutely freaks them out. Ohh interesting to hear what it’s like in Texas. Sounds pretty similar to England in that there is no testing required and we have tp bear the brunt of any financial imvestement. I’ve not thought about it in terms that we are still paying taxes for a service we are not using (and a service that we believe is fundamentally damaging!) but it’s so true!! It is like a punishment: you can opt out but we’re still going to make you pay for it! Thank you for your kind comment. Really appreciated! 💜
@@nurturingdiscontentI think that we should pay for services that are needed by the majority. Not every child can be home educated and I'd happily pay a tax to ensure every child *can* be educated even if my children weren't. Additionally some children are disabled or chronically ill and need vast resources from the healthcare services and even if my child didn't need those services I'd happily pay a tax to help the kids who do need those services. I think there are good reasons for a country to pay small amounts overall to ensure everyone has access to what they need. Is the system perfect yet? No absolutely not. But I think access to education and healthcare should be a right
@@sophiehobley828 you make a very good point, and when you put it like that I would have to agree. Whether the tax payers’ money is being spent in the most beneficial way is a whole other conversation that I don’t know enough about 😄
Well done mama. Dont over think it. You've done a great job and you're just letting them know you're doing a great job, and thats it. You'll hear from them again this time next year (perhaps a little sooner by about a month, because thats what ive noticed) and just do what you did again and you'll be fine. She did sound like a very nice and understanding lady who is willing to play the game failry. Im blessed because my LA ladies are very cool and sweet.
Yes, I think you're right. And hopefully going forward everything will be easier and a bit more brief now we've established the boundaries and done our first report.
New here and actually binge watching your videos I’m a new mom to two also mixed although I’ve been a teacher I’ve never rly thought we have a choice to home educating our children til recently I’m really keen to learn more about it. Loving your content 🫶
Oh wow. Absolutely loving your comment. Thanks so much for watching!! This was exactly me a few years ago in terms of not knowing Home Ed was an option. Once you realise it is, and start seeing all the pitfalls of school, it’s something you can’t unsee! More than happy to answer and questions you have about Home Ed! What ages are your kids? And would love to know about their mixed heritage too 💕
@@nurturingdiscontent yes I agree with you 💯 percent. I have two under two so some days are really challenging but we’re getting there. I’m starting to really push for homeschooling but everyone I’ve spoken to such as family and friends all day just stick them into school otherwise I won’t have any time to myslf and the children won’t socialise. I hardly get out with the two but they’re actually very sociable when meeting new people. They’re a mixture of Asian/ Persian and Jamaican/ Irish so I would love for them to embrace all the different cultures, without feeling the pressure of having to fit in into whatever the pressures are of school. Also I was meaning to ask what home education groups can I join for uk home education. Thank you for responding xx
Hello darling thank you so much for your posts I am of course wanting to home educate my daughter Please could you explain the education that you have put in place for your children that has met the criteria ❤ I would love that same acknowledgement xxx
Just left a big reply to your comment and managed too loose it on sending, so apologies if it's a bit brief. It's tricky in a way to just tell you the education I have put in place, because what works for mine may not work for your children and their ages and abilities. How old are your children. My eldest are only 6; we are probably closest aligned to unschooling and learning by living everyday life, so it is ever changing. In order to get a positive acknowledgment from the LA it's important to demonstrate progression in whatever area your child has been working on. I hear they are also, understandably, big on numeracy and literacy (which does not have to equate to maths and english as schools teach it). They also like to know that children are given plenty opportunity to socialise and get physical activity. Hope that helps a bit. xxx
Homeschooled my 3rd from 2st through 8 grade. My state is big on parent's rights, they want only a signed paper from the parent claiming the child is being homeschooled. The child can participate in school sports, theater, etc. Half day at school and half day at home is also an option. I would absolutely move if these rights were infringed.
Oh that sounds great. So you don’t have to report on what your kids are doing etc? There is flexischooling here in England but it’s really hard to come by and most schools seem to be against it. Usually only private schools are an option for that
@@nurturingdiscontent no oversight at all. Parents have all control. Some think this will lead to kids not getting any schooling, but the reality is, parents who want their kids out of government schools are the parents most concerned that their kids get a very good education.
That’s so true. I was just chatting to another home Ed mum the other day that actually parents who choose to home educate have given their kids’ education WAY more thought and consideration than those who just send their kids to school without a thought because it’s the norm (or who don’t realise it’s an option not too)
Ive been home educating for a couple years i always choose a home visit instead of writing a report but i have been lucky as the lady that comes once a year is really nice and supportive. I have heard horror storys though.
Im glad that’s worked out with you. I certainly think it’s pot luck whether that goes well or not, and generally doesn’t seem to be recommended as it can set an expectation that others should accept home visits. A bit of “give them an inch they will take a mile”.
Hi well done i will be startting the same journey as you this month when my son turns 5 soon will you be doing a video of rougjly what needed in the report i think that would be amazing if u coild i have searched for a video on this matter and came across your self i am totaly clusess lol hope u and ur family are doing well
Ahhh welcome, and congratulations on your Home Ed journey! Yes, I definitely plan to do a video on report writing soon. In the meantime, I can suggest your join the HEFA facebook group if you've not already - that helped me SO much with report writing. Thank you so much for your comment and video suggestion!
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
I have had the same letter but I responded with philosophy they are asking for more information but I do not feel I need to be pressured in meeting their controlling education
I get you. It's a fine line to walk between not letting them overstep but at the same time allowing them to be satisfied that your kids are receiving a suitable full-time education. Sadly ignoring them doesn't make them go away.
I would definitely like to see that video regarding report writing. My twins are 3 and a half so not csa yet. However the idea of report writing terrifies me. Ive read the guides on the home ed pages on fb but tbh i felt more terrified and clueless after i read the guides, i didnt find them useful at all. I feel like i need a template so to speak to prepare for my first one and then after that id probably be ok. Xx
Hello to a fellow twin parent 👋 great to have you here and thanks for your comment. Sorry to hear you are terrified about the prospect of writing a report :( I felt similar before (and sometimes during) writing my first one, but I now feel I will come at future reports a lot more relaxed and confident. That's a shame that the guides didn't help much, I'm pretty sure in the HEFA guides there is one with a template and a briefer template for people with any neurodivergence, which actually I found really helpful as a start point. You have plenty of time to get your head around it, and that's if you even get contacted at all; you may end up being off-radar. Try not to let it worry you too much (easier said than done) because I think that can then influence how you home educate, and I remember reading it's important not to let reports dictate your home education style etc. I'm happy to find out the template I used for you and check it's the same you've seen before. Feel free to email me, my email is on the About section of my channel. Hope some of that helps in some way. Honestly, it's great you are getting a head start on learning about home ed while your kids are still young, and I'm sure you will have the best time!
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Sounds so nerve wracking! Well done for holding it together. Did you make the follow up video? I'm definitely interested to know how to deal with the LA
Hello! Thank you 💜 sorry the follow-up vid about report writing is still in the pipeline, but should be coming soon. In the meantime, if you have any specific Qs feel free to ask!
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Over the decades of home educating it’s always frustrates me the LA expecting a report about a child provisions and basing off that what they deem is a good education or not. It’s just a tick box exercise. They in reality have no insight into anything other than a report. Unless there is any concern around their education or otherwise people shouldn’t be expected to take their time and energy away from home educating to fill in or send these reports because of the minority (and it is just that!) who use it as a cover for other things or to do nothing. It’s also worrying because what the LA may deem as a suitable education may not fit with my home educators beliefs around education. I see education completely differently to the educational system and therefor could have issues with them not agreeing with my views. But it doesn’t make them right. I know exactly what works for my children and am the best person to be able to see that, not someone who has never met my children or have met them briefly. It’s the same with so many areas of government and life where the good people are penalised (or have added pressure and expectations) put upon them due to the ‘bad’ people. And as for the age old well home ed kids need to be monitored incase of abuse well that’s social services job not the education department. Anyway as you can tell this topic gets me all fired up 🤣 Iam glad you have had a weight lifted and that you also didn’t let them overstep their remit. The more people let them do that the harder it is for everyone. The problem I have seen is those who’s child has had to be removed due to the school and educations failings are those who seem to want the LA involvement because they never wanted to be in this position and as those home educators are becoming larger than those who choose this as a lifestyle choice the lines of what those of us who chose this life and those who didn’t is not the same. Anywho just found your. Channel and subbed xx
Thank you for taking the time to leave such an in-depth comment: I totally agree with what you're saying. I think it's really important what you raise about the line between people who have been "forced into" home educating and don't really want to be doing it, and those of us for whom it's a first choice, and how they intersect. I hadn't particularly thought of that before, and can see how the actions of one group can affect another. Thanks so much for the sub it means a lot!
I am struggling with the report. Can anyone please help with a template so i can get a jist of reword it and use my own activities. I have just de registered and im getting panicks
Hey there. I’m literally editing my report writing video at the moment, so hoping to get it out in the next few days. In the meantime if you join the H.E.F.A Facebook group there are tons of guides on there to help if you look under the files. BUT if you’ve only just deregistered have you even been contacted by the LA? Don’t send them a report unless they contact you for one 💜
@@nurturingdiscontent thank you for replying. Yes I have joined that group. I have checked thier guides also. I understand my rights as to what I can or should not provide I haven't had any contact by LA yet. Neither the school has responded to the deregister letter. I'm just worried about how reports should be worded and layout. Do I have write all subjects. I'm aware I do not need to follow the curriculum. I want my daughter to learn main core subjects English, maths, science. Of course some physical activities. Rest what she enjoys . I don't know if that be enough in the report
Hello, sorry for slow reply. It really does sound like you’re on top of everything, so don’t worry too much. What you have planned sounds great (you don’t have to provide a broad range of subjects but the numeracy and literacy are important as you mention). My report writing video is up now, which may help with layout but if you have any more Qs feel free to ask 💜
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Honestly I feel you on how stressful this is, but as an educator in the eu who was raised in the USA. I can say that there should be some scarily uneducated children in the us because there is often no control whatsoever.
Oh I’m not saying any system is perfect. But there is some need for control. I feel like we owe it to the kids to make sure they’re meeting educational requirements. I’m by no means anti homeschooling. In fact I wish people could homeschool where I live, some kids do better that way, but 0 control is far worse for kids overall than mandated in person school. I mean at least we know they’ll know how to read and do math.
Hello, I concider to move to the uk. Because i have heard its the only country where you can homeschool without any frequently controles from any authoreties? Can you please give me some informations about that? Thank you very much!
Hi there. Welcome! From what I've heard compared with other countries in Europe, the UK generally does have lenient home education rules. It's legal for a start unlike some other European countries. It also seems to depend to a degree on which area of the UK you move to on how fair the Local Authority area. Things can obviously change, but at the moment I would say that home educating parents are given a good degree of autonomy over how they home educate their children, yes. You can read the UK GOV home ed guidance here: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ca21e22e5274a77d9d26feb/EHE_guidance_for_parentsafterconsultationv2.2.pdf, which might give you a good overview, and also qould suggest joining some of the national home ed groups where you can chat to other parents and even those who may have made the move from another country like you are considering. Hope some of that is helpful! Any more questions feel free to ask! :)
Definitely varies. We are in MO and don't even have to send in an intent to homeschool or anything (as long as your child has never been in school). No testing, no reporting.
So are you forced to provide information on what you plan to do and if not, is it seen as a negative if you don’t? Or are they happy to just receive reports once the year is complete?
Hi there! Thanks for your comment, I think the answer to this could be quite in-depth, so I'll try to be as brief as I can 😄. You are certainly under no obligation to provide any information on what you *_plan_* to do, and generally, that is not advised because the LA could then try to hold you accountable to it, and as we know plans change! The LA can also not force you to provide reports or fill out their forms (it's not a legal obligation for you to do so, but can be the best way to provide the info they need to satisfy their duties). To quote from the Home Ed government guidelines "Your local authority has no formal powers or duty to monitor the provision of education at home...However, it does have a statutory duty...to establish the identities...of children in its area who are not receiving a suitable education." So really the reports seem to be a happy "meet in the middle" that can demonstrate to the LA that your child is receiving a suitable education. It's worth noting that it sounds like LA's can vary dramatically on what makes them satisfied; how much they try to demand you to get them to provide etc, so it's really worth making sure you know the guidelines so they can't overstep. I hope that answers your question somewhat. And please bear in mind that this is the guidance for England (not sure where you are based). Please feel free to ask any more Q's, or the HEFA facebook page is a wealth of info around this! 💜💕
Well, it sounds like you are doing a good job in home educating your children and your reports reflected this. However the council do need to be able to determine that every parent who says they are home educating their child is actually doing so to a certain standard. As someone who works in healthcare and interacts with many families on a daily basis, I have seen child neglect and abuse too many times. Many parents who think they are educating their children may not have the time, resources or education themselves to do so. So I'm glad to hear there is some quality control when it comes to homeschooling.
Thank you for your comment, really appreciated, and I do agree with what you are saying to some degree. I just hate that neglect and abuse always seem to get brought up when there are conversations around Home Education. I would love to know the statistics around abuse and neglect with regard to how many of these children are in school and how many are Electively Home Educated. I would hazard a guess that there are far more incidents of abuse in schooled children than those whose parents have chosen to home educate for whatever reason. "Many parents who think they are educating their children may not have the time, resources or education themselves to do so" I hear what you are saying, but also think the same can be said of schools, many schools who think they are educating children are failing them dramatically: amond 20-30 students per class teachers often don't have the time, school budgets often mean they don't have the resources or they spend the money on the wrong kind of resources (textbooks, textbooks, textbooks) and the education, well yes teachers are educated in their subject matter, and are often educated about how to handle class sizes, and "behavioural issues" etc but are they educated in child developmental psychology, neurodiversity, and the most robust/recent research on how children really learn etc? I don't actually know the answer to that so would love to know if they are. Sorry I'm rambling now. I totally get where you are coming from and the quality control aspect...it's a very complex conversation that could get very deep and philosophical 😄
@@nurturingdiscontent I understand your points. State schools are stretched and not always the most productive environments for children. But schools are staffed with actual teachers who have degrees and qualifications and training in education, which can't be sniffed at. Of course a dedicated parent can reproduce this but not all parents have that dedication. I think it's important to realise just because we might walk through fire for our children, not everyone will. For instance, I grew up in a religious community in the UK where the norm was to homeschool children. Unfortunately some parents hadn't even completed school themselves and many children received a religious rather than a secular education. If only they had homeschooling officers back then. And these things still happen. As for neglect, many teachers pick up on a child who looks unwashed/unkempt/turns up without lunch regularly/etc. A child might confide in a teacher about abuse. At least it's a bit of a safetynet, unlike a child who might be kept at home (remember the recent case of poor Sara Sharif). All I'm saying is the council checking on you is not a reflection on you personally but rather them looking out for all children. Of course most parents that take on the grueling task of home schooling are doing a good job, but it would be irresponsible for the council not to look out for the small number of children who aren't so lucky.
Hiya. Yep, I get where you are coming from. I still just think there is a double standard. Sara Sharif being murdered was horrific, but hundreds of children who are schooled are also killed in their homes. And yet her story suddenly seems to become about that and questions are raised about homeschooling in general (is it safe etc). Yet, of all the hundreds of children that are killed in their homes who attend school, questions aren’t asked about the safety of school, why the abuse was missed, or there isn’t the narrative “it must have been because she’s schooled”. Anyway, I’n sure we are coming from the same place; absolutely, children should be protected at all costs. But I am yet to be convinced home educating poses a greater safety risk or risk to them not receiving a sufficient education. I can’t really talk on the religious aspect as I don’t know anything about religious homeschooling really, so I will take on board your story about that and thank you for sharing. Like I said before it’s really a discussion that could go on for ages and I certainly don’t have all the answers. Maybe my opinions will change over time even. But thank you for engaging in the dialogue so thoughtfully 💜
But who determines the correct standard? People who have never met your child. The national curriculum standards? Many of us who choose to home educate do so because we don’t place value on a standardised education but more an individual education. So how do they decide what’s a suitable education?
@@thehighlandlife2023 hmmm. What about people from ultra conservative backgrounds, for instance Muslim or Jewish? Many would have the same argument- they don't believe in standardised secular education and instead choose to give their children a religious education. Moreso for girls than boys in certain communities. They know their children better than anyone too. Is this acceptable?
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I completely understand your frustration and relief. When the forms came through for my two (ages 8 and 12), I felt very nervous. I sat for hours and worked so hard to complete them. I packed so much information into them and felt proud of all our learning and my kid's progress since leaving mainstream. I sent the forms back with 24 hours. That was over 2 months ago and I've heard nothing. It frustrates me that mainstream education let both of my autistic children down, they have flourished since we've been home-educating, and yet I need to prove that I (their mother) am doing a good job when the school didn't have to, only then to hear nothing!
Ahh thank you for sharing your story. Can totally relate to putting your all into it and being met with radio silence for a long period. I get that they have a lot to get through, but it does feel disheartening. So pleased to hear your kids are flourishing now 💕
No news is good news, however it is rude and unprofessional of them not to reply to your report. I'm blessed, my LA ladies are brilliant. They never overstep the mark, give us plenty of notice and always get back in touch really quickly.
As a home educator in France, I can only say you are so lucky to have such support from the authorities in your country and the amazing encouragement from that letter. It is such a stark contrast with the treatment we get here with much criticism, suspicion, and overall negativity over the decision to homeschool (for which we now have to ask permission and permissions are rarely granted)
Hi there. Thanks so much for your comment. Wow, that’s really interesting. I wasn’t really sure on the rules in France. Sorry to hear it sounds so difficult over there. Certainly here it seems to depend on which local authority you are under and I certainly seem to have to be under one of the more relaxed ones. I have heard of others having much more trouble so grateful for that!
Also, wish I understood French; your channel looks great! 😃
I’ve been waiting for this video, thank you so much for sharing, I can imagine how stressful this was. I’m so terrified for when our time comes. I love that you mentioned how it took away your attention from actually home educating whilst writing it, understandable…they don’t seem to consider that do they 🙄 Would you be able to do a video on tips for report writing maybe? I think it would be super helpful 🥰
Oh I just got to the end of your video. It’s understandable, I’ve always been concerned about LA control etc it’s scary. I would definitely love to know about the report writing and any tips you have ❤
Absolutely! I really want to do a video about report writing, so will get to work on it. 👍👍 It’s funny isn’t it how they are asking you to tell them about your kids education while completely taking away the time you have to educate them! I’m hoping my second report will be a lot more brief. Hate to think you are feeling terrified about it. I totally get what you mean, but try not to be too worried about it because I think it ends up dictating how we home Ed our kids, and it’s so important we don’t make choices out of fear 💕💕 I guess it’s easy to say in hindsight but, in a way, it did work out ok in the end
@@nurturingdiscontent I totally agree also I cannot explain how relieved I feel for you. Your video about them turning up on your door was how I found your channel and honestly I’m beyond elated it’s all worked out ok for you, because that was such a scary and inappropriate thing to happen.
Aww thank you, I’m sure I’m just overthinking it all, I’m definitely one to do that haha he’s only 3.5 so I’ve got a while yet but it still plagues me sometimes. I want to unschool him and follow his interests. I read a book recently called the call of the wild and free and it was just so refreshing and really put my mind at ease.
I’ve read that Call of The Wild + Fre too, it’s really a lovely book. If you like books in that genre you might like some of the other ones in my books video on my channel. 📚📚Also today I’ve just bought Naomi Fisher’s new book, A Different Way to Learn, so hope to do a review on that one too!
@@nurturingdiscontent it really is a lovely book. ooooo thank you I’ll check it out when I get a min and grab my notepad and pen 🥰 I’ll look forward to the other book review too 😁 I’ve heard good things about Naomi Fisher.
Aww, yes totally get what you are saying! i’m so glad you got s positive response but i’m literally with you on the sort of… who do they think they are?! thinking they know what is best for our children!
Thank you so so much for sharing this journey.
I would love to see more videos on reporting to slightly ease the anxiety of that. My eldest is 4 in March so my school applications would be now so i’m looking to gain as much support and knowledge as possible.
I always look forward to your videos 🙌🏻
xxx
Hey there! Sorry I somehow missed this comment until recently; thanks so much for your kind words again! Great to have you here on this journey! I'm almost certain I will make a video on reports now, as it seems a few people feel the same. I just want to put as much thought and attention into it as I can, to get it right for everyone 💕
Oh yes, I guess your eldest would be due to start school next Sep then? Are you planning to apply and decide closer to the time, or have you made your mind up 100% on Home Ed?
Thanks for the update! I Would love to see a video on report writing, it’s definitely an ongoing worry of mine. I’m so happy for you that your reports were well received 😊
Hey there! It is pretty much certain I'll do a vid on this as it seems a few people feel the same. I just want to give it a lot of time and attention to get it right for everyone 💜. I hate that the prospect worries people so much, and I was definitely in the same boat. Thank you for your kind comment. Wishing you all the best on your home ed journey!
@@nurturingdiscontent That would be awesome!
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Yes please I’d be so grateful for any advice . I’m just starting out my home education journey . X
Hey Keelie. More than happy to help with questions you have. If you’re looking for more info on report writing I’ve now released that video 😊. Let me know if you have any questions x
Well done 👏🏼 super mum you got this 💪🏼 . Soon come I’ll join the home educating world.
Ahh thank you for your kind comment. Excited to hear you may start home educating. Is there anything holding you back?
Hi, new to the channel. Thanks for sharing, we are home schooling 4 & 1 year olds in Wales. The info here is so useful & I felt your comment about having to justify our home ed decision was very accurate. Looking forward to watching all of your videos. Take care
Thanks so much for being here and leaving a comment. Always great to connect with other home educating families, and I'm glad this vid resonated with you. Best of luck on your home ed journey!
You took the words out of my mouth... I thought exactly what you said, that this lady has never even met your children yet she is supposedly more concerned than you are with their education? Wow! That blows my mind... the audacity!
People are dying to have some sort of control and they seem to hate it that all of the children are able to be easily accessed and monitored.
I live in the states in Texas and it is probably one of the most lenient as far as education goes for homeschooling. I certainly appreciate that part. No testing or monitoring.
The only part that is not great is the lack of financial support. Curriculum for educating and participation in sports is all the responsibility of the parents,which would be fine if we weren't still paying such an expensive amount of taxes for the schools that we are no longer using. Which in my opinion means that I am being forced to pay for something that is no longer being used by our family. It sort of feels like a punishment for not complying to the norm.
Well, I for one I'm sorry that you had to experience that, but I'm glad that it's over at least for now and that you have proved that you are educating your children properly.
👏 The. Audacity. 👏 You’re so right!! The lack of control absolutely freaks them out.
Ohh interesting to hear what it’s like in Texas. Sounds pretty similar to England in that there is no testing required and we have tp bear the brunt of any financial imvestement.
I’ve not thought about it in terms that we are still paying taxes for a service we are not using (and a service that we believe is fundamentally damaging!) but it’s so true!! It is like a punishment: you can opt out but we’re still going to make you pay for it!
Thank you for your kind comment. Really appreciated! 💜
@@nurturingdiscontentI think that we should pay for services that are needed by the majority. Not every child can be home educated and I'd happily pay a tax to ensure every child *can* be educated even if my children weren't. Additionally some children are disabled or chronically ill and need vast resources from the healthcare services and even if my child didn't need those services I'd happily pay a tax to help the kids who do need those services. I think there are good reasons for a country to pay small amounts overall to ensure everyone has access to what they need. Is the system perfect yet? No absolutely not. But I think access to education and healthcare should be a right
@@sophiehobley828 you make a very good point, and when you put it like that I would have to agree. Whether the tax payers’ money is being spent in the most beneficial way is a whole other conversation that I don’t know enough about 😄
Well done mama. Dont over think it. You've done a great job and you're just letting them know you're doing a great job, and thats it. You'll hear from them again this time next year (perhaps a little sooner by about a month, because thats what ive noticed) and just do what you did again and you'll be fine. She did sound like a very nice and understanding lady who is willing to play the game failry. Im blessed because my LA ladies are very cool and sweet.
Yes, I think you're right. And hopefully going forward everything will be easier and a bit more brief now we've established the boundaries and done our first report.
New here and actually binge watching your videos I’m a new mom to two also mixed although I’ve been a teacher I’ve never rly thought we have a choice to home educating our children til recently I’m really keen to learn more about it. Loving your content 🫶
Oh wow. Absolutely loving your comment. Thanks so much for watching!! This was exactly me a few years ago in terms of not knowing Home Ed was an option. Once you realise it is, and start seeing all the pitfalls of school, it’s something you can’t unsee! More than happy to answer and questions you have about Home Ed! What ages are your kids? And would love to know about their mixed heritage too 💕
@@nurturingdiscontent yes I agree with you 💯 percent. I have two under two so some days are really challenging but we’re getting there. I’m starting to really push for homeschooling but everyone I’ve spoken to such as family and friends all day just stick them into school otherwise I won’t have any time to myslf and the children won’t socialise. I hardly get out with the two but they’re actually very sociable when meeting new people. They’re a mixture of Asian/ Persian and Jamaican/ Irish so I would love for them to embrace all the different cultures, without feeling the pressure of having to fit in into whatever the pressures are of school. Also I was meaning to ask what home education groups can I join for uk home education. Thank you for responding xx
Hello darling thank you so much for your posts
I am of course wanting to home educate my daughter
Please could you explain the education that you have put in place for your children that has met the criteria ❤
I would love that same acknowledgement xxx
Just left a big reply to your comment and managed too loose it on sending, so apologies if it's a bit brief. It's tricky in a way to just tell you the education I have put in place, because what works for mine may not work for your children and their ages and abilities. How old are your children. My eldest are only 6; we are probably closest aligned to unschooling and learning by living everyday life, so it is ever changing. In order to get a positive acknowledgment from the LA it's important to demonstrate progression in whatever area your child has been working on. I hear they are also, understandably, big on numeracy and literacy (which does not have to equate to maths and english as schools teach it). They also like to know that children are given plenty opportunity to socialise and get physical activity. Hope that helps a bit. xxx
Homeschooled my 3rd from 2st through 8 grade. My state is big on parent's rights, they want only a signed paper from the parent claiming the child is being homeschooled. The child can participate in school sports, theater, etc. Half day at school and half day at home is also an option. I would absolutely move if these rights were infringed.
Oh that sounds great. So you don’t have to report on what your kids are doing etc? There is flexischooling here in England but it’s really hard to come by and most schools seem to be against it. Usually only private schools are an option for that
@@nurturingdiscontent no oversight at all. Parents have all control. Some think this will lead to kids not getting any schooling, but the reality is, parents who want their kids out of government schools are the parents most concerned that their kids get a very good education.
That’s so true. I was just chatting to another home Ed mum the other day that actually parents who choose to home educate have given their kids’ education WAY more thought and consideration than those who just send their kids to school without a thought because it’s the norm (or who don’t realise it’s an option not too)
Ive been home educating for a couple years i always choose a home visit instead of writing a report but i have been lucky as the lady that comes once a year is really nice and supportive. I have heard horror storys though.
Im glad that’s worked out with you. I certainly think it’s pot luck whether that goes well or not, and generally doesn’t seem to be recommended as it can set an expectation that others should accept home visits. A bit of “give them an inch they will take a mile”.
Hi well done i will be startting the same journey as you this month when my son turns 5 soon will you be doing a video of rougjly what needed in the report i think that would be amazing if u coild i have searched for a video on this matter and came across your self i am totaly clusess lol hope u and ur family are doing well
Ahhh welcome, and congratulations on your Home Ed journey! Yes, I definitely plan to do a video on report writing soon. In the meantime, I can suggest your join the HEFA facebook group if you've not already - that helped me SO much with report writing. Thank you so much for your comment and video suggestion!
@nurturingdiscontent thank you will do
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
I have had the same letter but I responded with philosophy they are asking for more information but I do not feel I need to be pressured in meeting their controlling education
I get you. It's a fine line to walk between not letting them overstep but at the same time allowing them to be satisfied that your kids are receiving a suitable full-time education. Sadly ignoring them doesn't make them go away.
I would definitely like to see that video regarding report writing. My twins are 3 and a half so not csa yet. However the idea of report writing terrifies me. Ive read the guides on the home ed pages on fb but tbh i felt more terrified and clueless after i read the guides, i didnt find them useful at all. I feel like i need a template so to speak to prepare for my first one and then after that id probably be ok. Xx
Hello to a fellow twin parent 👋 great to have you here and thanks for your comment. Sorry to hear you are terrified about the prospect of writing a report :( I felt similar before (and sometimes during) writing my first one, but I now feel I will come at future reports a lot more relaxed and confident. That's a shame that the guides didn't help much, I'm pretty sure in the HEFA guides there is one with a template and a briefer template for people with any neurodivergence, which actually I found really helpful as a start point. You have plenty of time to get your head around it, and that's if you even get contacted at all; you may end up being off-radar. Try not to let it worry you too much (easier said than done) because I think that can then influence how you home educate, and I remember reading it's important not to let reports dictate your home education style etc. I'm happy to find out the template I used for you and check it's the same you've seen before. Feel free to email me, my email is on the About section of my channel.
Hope some of that helps in some way. Honestly, it's great you are getting a head start on learning about home ed while your kids are still young, and I'm sure you will have the best time!
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Would be good to see that video
Great! Thanks for the feedback. It’s definitely one I’m planning on making soon 👍
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Sounds so nerve wracking! Well done for holding it together. Did you make the follow up video? I'm definitely interested to know how to deal with the LA
Hello! Thank you 💜 sorry the follow-up vid about report writing is still in the pipeline, but should be coming soon. In the meantime, if you have any specific Qs feel free to ask!
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
This sounds very stressful. I'm glad it worked out well.
Thank you :). Yes it’s a relief to get back to normal home Ed life now!
Over the decades of home educating it’s always frustrates me the LA expecting a report about a child provisions and basing off that what they deem is a good education or not. It’s just a tick box exercise. They in reality have no insight into anything other than a report. Unless there is any concern around their education or otherwise people shouldn’t be expected to take their time and energy away from home educating to fill in or send these reports because of the minority (and it is just that!) who use it as a cover for other things or to do nothing.
It’s also worrying because what the LA may deem as a suitable education may not fit with my home educators beliefs around education. I see education completely differently to the educational system and therefor could have issues with them not agreeing with my views. But it doesn’t make them right. I know exactly what works for my children and am the best person to be able to see that, not someone who has never met my children or have met them briefly.
It’s the same with so many areas of government and life where the good people are penalised (or have added pressure and expectations) put upon them due to the ‘bad’ people. And as for the age old well home ed kids need to be monitored incase of abuse well that’s social services job not the education department.
Anyway as you can tell this topic gets me all fired up 🤣
Iam glad you have had a weight lifted and that you also didn’t let them overstep their remit. The more people let them do that the harder it is for everyone. The problem I have seen is those who’s child has had to be removed due to the school and educations failings are those who seem to want the LA involvement because they never wanted to be in this position and as those home educators are becoming larger than those who choose this as a lifestyle choice the lines of what those of us who chose this life and those who didn’t is not the same. Anywho just found your. Channel and subbed xx
Thank you for taking the time to leave such an in-depth comment: I totally agree with what you're saying. I think it's really important what you raise about the line between people who have been "forced into" home educating and don't really want to be doing it, and those of us for whom it's a first choice, and how they intersect. I hadn't particularly thought of that before, and can see how the actions of one group can affect another.
Thanks so much for the sub it means a lot!
Hi. Thanks for your helpful videos. What FB groups are available for Home Ed parents? Thanks again
Hey thank you for watching and supporting! I always recommend the HEFA Home ed facebook group as a really great source of information and support.
I am struggling with the report. Can anyone please help with a template so i can get a jist of reword it and use my own activities. I have just de registered and im getting panicks
Hey there. I’m literally editing my report writing video at the moment, so hoping to get it out in the next few days. In the meantime if you join the H.E.F.A Facebook group there are tons of guides on there to help if you look under the files. BUT if you’ve only just deregistered have you even been contacted by the LA? Don’t send them a report unless they contact you for one 💜
Try not to panic, I really get why people do (I have been there) but you can totally write a brilliant report that will pass with the LA.
@@nurturingdiscontent thank you for replying. Yes I have joined that group. I have checked thier guides also.
I understand my rights as to what I can or should not provide
I haven't had any contact by LA yet. Neither the school has responded to the deregister letter.
I'm just worried about how reports should be worded and layout. Do I have write all subjects. I'm aware I do not need to follow the curriculum.
I want my daughter to learn main core subjects English, maths, science. Of course some physical activities. Rest what she enjoys . I don't know if that be enough in the report
Hello, sorry for slow reply. It really does sound like you’re on top of everything, so don’t worry too much. What you have planned sounds great (you don’t have to provide a broad range of subjects but the numeracy and literacy are important as you mention). My report writing video is up now, which may help with layout but if you have any more Qs feel free to ask 💜
Hey, hope you are doing well. Just thought I'd update you that my video on report writing is now out, if you've not yet seen it. Hope it's useful for you: ruclips.net/video/iA02f9zDEWk/видео.htmlsi=vpX5Jm4uSByLNkVE
Honestly I feel you on how stressful this is, but as an educator in the eu who was raised in the USA. I can say that there should be some scarily uneducated children in the us because there is often no control whatsoever.
Probably a lot of scarily uneducated kids in the school system too 😢
thanks for commenting. Really appreciated 💜
Oh I’m not saying any system is perfect. But there is some need for control. I feel like we owe it to the kids to make sure they’re meeting educational requirements. I’m by no means anti homeschooling. In fact I wish people could homeschool where I live, some kids do better that way, but 0 control is far worse for kids overall than mandated in person school. I mean at least we know they’ll know how to read and do math.
Hello, I concider to move to the uk. Because i have heard its the only country where you can homeschool without any frequently controles from any authoreties? Can you please give me some informations about that? Thank you very much!
Hi there. Welcome! From what I've heard compared with other countries in Europe, the UK generally does have lenient home education rules. It's legal for a start unlike some other European countries. It also seems to depend to a degree on which area of the UK you move to on how fair the Local Authority area. Things can obviously change, but at the moment I would say that home educating parents are given a good degree of autonomy over how they home educate their children, yes.
You can read the UK GOV home ed guidance here: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ca21e22e5274a77d9d26feb/EHE_guidance_for_parentsafterconsultationv2.2.pdf, which might give you a good overview, and also qould suggest joining some of the national home ed groups where you can chat to other parents and even those who may have made the move from another country like you are considering.
Hope some of that is helpful! Any more questions feel free to ask! :)
We live in the USA and we have to do this report once a year. This is normal.
I’ve heads procedures can vary quite a lot from state to state in the US?
Definitely varies. We are in MO and don't even have to send in an intent to homeschool or anything (as long as your child has never been in school). No testing, no reporting.
@audreymcnair350 Sounds similar to where we are in the UK. Thanks for adding that insight!
So are you forced to provide information on what you plan to do and if not, is it seen as a negative if you don’t? Or are they happy to just receive reports once the year is complete?
Hi there! Thanks for your comment, I think the answer to this could be quite in-depth, so I'll try to be as brief as I can 😄. You are certainly under no obligation to provide any information on what you *_plan_* to do, and generally, that is not advised because the LA could then try to hold you accountable to it, and as we know plans change!
The LA can also not force you to provide reports or fill out their forms (it's not a legal obligation for you to do so, but can be the best way to provide the info they need to satisfy their duties). To quote from the Home Ed government guidelines "Your local authority has no formal powers or duty to monitor the provision of
education at home...However, it does have a statutory duty...to establish the identities...of children in its area who are not receiving a suitable education."
So really the reports seem to be a happy "meet in the middle" that can demonstrate to the LA that your child is receiving a suitable education. It's worth noting that it sounds like LA's can vary dramatically on what makes them satisfied; how much they try to demand you to get them to provide etc, so it's really worth making sure you know the guidelines so they can't overstep.
I hope that answers your question somewhat. And please bear in mind that this is the guidance for England (not sure where you are based). Please feel free to ask any more Q's, or the HEFA facebook page is a wealth of info around this! 💜💕
Well, it sounds like you are doing a good job in home educating your children and your reports reflected this. However the council do need to be able to determine that every parent who says they are home educating their child is actually doing so to a certain standard. As someone who works in healthcare and interacts with many families on a daily basis, I have seen child neglect and abuse too many times. Many parents who think they are educating their children may not have the time, resources or education themselves to do so. So I'm glad to hear there is some quality control when it comes to homeschooling.
Thank you for your comment, really appreciated, and I do agree with what you are saying to some degree. I just hate that neglect and abuse always seem to get brought up when there are conversations around Home Education. I would love to know the statistics around abuse and neglect with regard to how many of these children are in school and how many are Electively Home Educated. I would hazard a guess that there are far more incidents of abuse in schooled children than those whose parents have chosen to home educate for whatever reason. "Many parents who think they are educating their children may not have the time, resources or education themselves to do so" I hear what you are saying, but also think the same can be said of schools, many schools who think they are educating children are failing them dramatically: amond 20-30 students per class teachers often don't have the time, school budgets often mean they don't have the resources or they spend the money on the wrong kind of resources (textbooks, textbooks, textbooks) and the education, well yes teachers are educated in their subject matter, and are often educated about how to handle class sizes, and "behavioural issues" etc but are they educated in child developmental psychology, neurodiversity, and the most robust/recent research on how children really learn etc? I don't actually know the answer to that so would love to know if they are.
Sorry I'm rambling now. I totally get where you are coming from and the quality control aspect...it's a very complex conversation that could get very deep and philosophical 😄
@@nurturingdiscontent I understand your points. State schools are stretched and not always the most productive environments for children. But schools are staffed with actual teachers who have degrees and qualifications and training in education, which can't be sniffed at. Of course a dedicated parent can reproduce this but not all parents have that dedication. I think it's important to realise just because we might walk through fire for our children, not everyone will. For instance, I grew up in a religious community in the UK where the norm was to homeschool children. Unfortunately some parents hadn't even completed school themselves and many children received a religious rather than a secular education. If only they had homeschooling officers back then. And these things still happen. As for neglect, many teachers pick up on a child who looks unwashed/unkempt/turns up without lunch regularly/etc. A child might confide in a teacher about abuse. At least it's a bit of a safetynet, unlike a child who might be kept at home (remember the recent case of poor Sara Sharif). All I'm saying is the council checking on you is not a reflection on you personally but rather them looking out for all children. Of course most parents that take on the grueling task of home schooling are doing a good job, but it would be irresponsible for the council not to look out for the small number of children who aren't so lucky.
Hiya. Yep, I get where you are coming from. I still just think there is a double standard. Sara Sharif being murdered was horrific, but hundreds of children who are schooled are also killed in their homes. And yet her story suddenly seems to become about that and questions are raised about homeschooling in general (is it safe etc). Yet, of all the hundreds of children that are killed in their homes who attend school, questions aren’t asked about the safety of school, why the abuse was missed, or there isn’t the narrative “it must have been because she’s schooled”.
Anyway, I’n sure we are coming from the same place; absolutely, children should be protected at all costs. But I am yet to be convinced home educating poses a greater safety risk or risk to them not receiving a sufficient education. I can’t really talk on the religious aspect as I don’t know anything about religious homeschooling really, so I will take on board your story about that and thank you for sharing. Like I said before it’s really a discussion that could go on for ages and I certainly don’t have all the answers. Maybe my opinions will change over time even. But thank you for engaging in the dialogue so thoughtfully 💜
But who determines the correct standard? People who have never met your child. The national curriculum standards? Many of us who choose to home educate do so because we don’t place value on a standardised education but more an individual education. So how do they decide what’s a suitable education?
@@thehighlandlife2023 hmmm. What about people from ultra conservative backgrounds, for instance Muslim or Jewish? Many would have the same argument- they don't believe in standardised secular education and instead choose to give their children a religious education. Moreso for girls than boys in certain communities. They know their children better than anyone too. Is this acceptable?