Home education is having a moment

Whatever your stance may be, it’s clear that home education is growing in popularity across the UK. In fact, a recent census found that the number of students being educated at home has risen by 20% in the last year, with the number tripling in some areas since 2020. At Tutorfair, we have seen an increasing number of homeschooled students joining our programmes - around 7% of our overall student base compared with 1-2% in previous years. 

While differing beliefs and values continue to be the main reason for going the home education route, increasingly, other factors have come into play, including dissatisfaction with schools, lack of support for SEND students, and concern for mental health.

The reasons behind an increase in homeschooling might be concerning. But whichever way you look at it, home education is having a moment, and families and caregivers are keener than ever to support children’s education from the home space, in any way they can.

If you are tutoring homeschooled students and want to help maximise their learning, there are ways to make a home learning environment more productive and stimulating. Here are some of our favourite tips:

1) Help them to create their home learning space

This can be easier said than done, but it’s possible for students to create a designated home learning space, regardless of how much space is available! Whether in their own or shared bedroom or a communal space, helping them think of simple touches, such as a particular chair or desk/table and some simple storage options, can be effective.

The size of the space itself is not so important, the key is that it is safe and free from too many distractions.

2) Set goals with your students

This can be useful in helping students balance their workload with their tutorials. Agreeing a set of goals together with them, which support learning and are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) can help hugely to enhance home study time and keep focus, while avoiding overload.

3) Consider distractions

Phones, tablets and other devices can be useful for some study activities, but app blockers or time controls might be recommended to ensure no outside distractions. In a space where it’s not possible to maintain a quiet atmosphere (for example, a shared space with lots of people), access to noise-cancelling headphones, ear plugs and even a study timetable - so other people know that quiet time is required - can all be helpful.

4) Encourage social interaction

Particularly important for students who are homeschooled full-time, to ensure a balance between work and play, and an outlet for their energy. If your students or their families/caregivers are looking for a way to interact more with other people their age, local groups for homeschooling families and caregivers, and free events at local leisure centres and cultural centres can all be great for maintaining social interaction.

5) Look for support if needed

Homeschooled students may need some outside, impartial help in managing exam stress and study pressures. This might come in the form of a free study group, or providing a safe space for them to talk through their feelings.

6) Make it fun!

It sounds obvious, but creating a fun environment is vital for home learning. Setting up a rewards system (with initiatives like screen time for finishing work), using free learning resources to help bring study to life, and helping them find ways to get out and about where possible, can all help to make the overall experience more dynamic, interactive, and less like a traditional classroom.

If you’re interested in learning about how to support homeschooled students, get in touch!