Home education, what should I teach and where do I start?
In short, in England, home educated children do not have to follow the national curriculum, but they must receive a suitable full-time education. Many families start with English and maths, follow their child's interests, and build a simple weekly plan.
Families choose home education for many reasons, from a child's wellbeing to a different approach to learning. Whatever the reason, the first weeks can feel like a lot to work out at once.
What the rules say
In England, you must make sure your child receives a full-time education from the age of five, but you do not have to follow the national curriculum. If your child attends a special school, you will need the council's permission to educate them at home. Your local council may make informal enquiries to check that the education is suitable.
The government guide to educating your child at home sets out the main rules.
Where to start
- Take time to settle before introducing a full timetable, especially after a difficult time at school
- Start with reading, writing and maths, which underpin most other learning
- Follow your child's interests as a route into other subjects
- Use the national curriculum as a loose guide if it helps, rather than a rule
- Plan a simple weekly rhythm rather than a full school day
Keeping track of progress
A simple record of what your child has done each week, with examples of their work, helps you see progress and is useful if the council asks about your provision.
Common questions
Do I have to follow the national curriculum if I home educate?
No. In England, home educating families do not have to follow it, but many use it as a helpful guide to what children usually learn at each age.
How many hours a day should home education take?
There is no set number. Home learning is often more focused than a school day, so many families find a few hours of structured learning, alongside reading, play and outings, works well.
Parent teaching sessions help home educating families build a personalised plan, understand what to teach and how, and adapt it to how their child learns. Ruby also offers one-to-one tuition and coaching for children learning outside school.
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