Selfsufficientish.com

I educated my eldest at home for a couple of years during a disagreement with the LEA about her statement.

She has special needs and a statement so our situation was rather....complicated

However, some things I think are the same for all HE families.

1. Don't be bullied into thinking you need to provide a school environment at home. Rigid timetables and reams of paper are not the only (or the best) way to teach a child.

2. Most museums are desperate to inspire young minds! We found that by phoning in advance we could often arrange to meet with a curator and sometimes be taken back to see items not on general display!

3. A day out with a metal detecting club is a fantastic history lesson (you'd be amazed how much those guys know!) a local beekeeper can provide a fascinating biology lesson! We were amazed how receptive complete strangers were to the prospect of sharing their hobbies with us for a day

above all, well done you for taking your child's education into your own hands!

I have to add to this point that by using clubs , groups and businesses around you it does seem to make the connection for your child between what they are learning and the end product.. i.e a job.. income. which I found made my son a whole lot more enthusiastic about learning as he was able to see the whole picture. He also seemed to mature very quickly during his home ed phase.. and finds it very easy to hold a conversation with all age groups.
Honestly the best thing I ever did for him. I firmly believe that he is doing so well in school now.. is down to the home ed.. and of cousre his own hard work.
I did stick to a ridgid timetable and learning time for him.. but this was purely as he was going to return into the mainstream education system.. and I thought It would make it easier for him to do that.

my son has a statement too.

we have a semi system - as it suits us - we work between set hours (I am on now at the computer cos he is writing his diary now) and plan ahead, and have a routine.

but it is nice to be flexible, and make plans to change the routine.. if you follow.... - we can take him to the ballet, and make up for the late night with a lie in, cos overall it was educational etc.


glad it worked out for you vix, seems like a really good decision, and am glad to hear shcool is working out for him now