Home education began in the UK in the 1970s following a movement in the USA to reform the oppressive nature of schools. It grew in popularity during the 1980s, with further pioneers providing research and insight into alternatives to the traditional schooling system. However, in the 1980s the decision to home educate would be largely based on the philosophy and needs of the parents. If parents opposed the school system and were dedicated to spending all their time with their children, as well as financially able, then they could choose to home educate and follow their own path. For any other reason, school attendance was expected and would have to be tolerated, however poor the child’s experience of school was. This might have also reflected the growing population of two working parents and the need, and expectation, for free childcare during most of the working day. Alternatives would not be considered unless the parents were wealthy enough to fund private education. And this is how the pattern continued for many years. During this time, parents set up various support groups and provided information to each other, and largely embraced the opportunities to join activities that were inclusive of all ages and abilities. Many valued the community feel it provided for both them and their children.
As the decades have passed, governments have changed and there are different standards expected within schools, society and life in general. Many aspects of home education have evolved with this, from home educators making their voices heard regarding policies and the requirements of Local Authorities within home education, making it more possible to follow your child’s learning requirements. As the internet has advanced, this has enabled both the increased access to learning information and opportunities as well as the ability to have websites and groups that give parents the information they need to ensure they are meeting their legal requirements and that they know what is expected of them. And perhaps, just as importantly, what LAs can’t and shouldn’t do.
However, in the last ten years we have perhaps seen the biggest changes to the whole climate of home education and have yet to learn of the full impact of this. This change is being clearly experienced by most involved in home education with many negative experiences despite the potential for it to become a more positive experience. There are many reasons for these changes and over the next few blogs we will explore some of these issues in more depth to try to identify ways that home education can evolve and develop while remaining inclusive and supportive for all.

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