More parents and carers are choosing to educate their children at home. Whether you are just starting or looking to improve your current routine, this home education guide will help you with ideas, tips, and useful information to make home education simple and enjoyable.

What is Home Education?

Home education, also called home-schooling, means teaching your child outside of a traditional school. You take responsibility for your child’s learning, either by following your own plan or by using resources and lessons created by others.

Is Home Education Legal?

Yes, home education is legal in the UK. You do not have to follow the National Curriculum, but you must make sure your child gets a full-time education that suits their age, ability, and needs. If your child is already in school, you must inform the school in writing before taking them out.

How to Get Started with Your Home Education Guide

Getting started with home education might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are simple steps to help:

• Decide why you want to home educate.
• Plan how you will teach (structured lessons or a flexible approach).
• Gather useful learning resources like quizzes and worksheets.
• Make a simple timetable.
• Join local or online home education groups.

Creating a Learning Plan

You don’t need to copy a school timetable. Learning at home can be flexible and fun. Many families choose:

• Topic-based learning (e.g., learning about Ancient Egypt through history, art, and geography).
• Project work (e.g., building a model of the Solar System).
• Practical skills (e.g., cooking, gardening, coding).

You can mix printable worksheets, online quizzes, reading, and hands-on activities to suit your child’s style.

Finding Resources for Your Home Education Guide

You don’t have to make everything yourself. There are plenty of helpful tools, including:

• Info Zone topics for maths, history, geography, and science.
• Online quizzes and interactive activities.
• Educational videos and documentaries on YouTube.
• Visits to local museums, parks, and libraries.

On this website, you’ll find quizzes, puzzles, lesson plans, worksheets, and educational topics to make learning enjoyable.

Balancing Learning and Fun

Home education is not just about books and lessons. Children learn through play, hobbies, and real-life experiences. Baking teaches maths, gardening teaches science, and visiting a castle brings history to life.

Shape learning around your child’s interests and make it more enjoyable and memorable.

Socialising While Home Educating

A common worry is about socialising. The good news is there are many home education groups, clubs, sports, and meet-ups where children make friends and learn together. Online communities also offer plenty of support for both parents and children.

Keeping Records

It’s helpful to keep a simple log of your child’s learning. This could be:

• A diary or notebook.
• Photos of projects and activities.
• A file of completed lessons and quizzes.

These records show your child’s progress and help you plan future lessons.

Helpful Tips for Parents

• Be patient with yourself and your child.
• Don’t compare your child’s learning to others.
• Celebrate small successes.
• Keep learning fun and flexible.
• Take breaks when needed.

More Learning with Lenara

Our website is full of educational tools to help you:

• Quizzes to test knowledge and make learning fun.
• Info Zone topics and articles for everyday learning.
• Lesson plans for parents.
• Printable topic cheat sheets to aid studying.
• Puzzles and games to build skills while having fun.

Use the menu above to access all of our resources for yourself, and make the most of this home education guide as you begin or continue your learning journey.

What Do You Think?

Do you have questions about starting home education? Have you already started and want to share your tips? Leave a comment and help other parents too!