I’ll shortly be typing up a collaborative blog with UK Virtual School which I hope readers will find really helpful. I interviewed the founder of the company and I was just blown away by so many things we discussed.

The ONE thing I wanted to share immediately is this: Homeschooling does not need to be a forever choice.

Our journey has led us down a path that Evie would come out of the ‘normal system’ for years 9-11. She will be returning to college in year 12. So my experience has been an all or nothing decision. It was final – and she definitely wasn’t returning to school. But what about those parents and children who aren’t sure that homeschooling is a forever journey? What about those with children in primary school – year 11 seems a long way ahead… what about those who can’t afford the expense all the way through.. the children that aren’t ok right now, but might be in 12 months?

Syd, the founder of UK Virtual School, shared some insights with me. Many students return to the ‘normal education system’ at the end of an academic year.

They build up children that may have anxiety, low self esteem, burn-out, or may be behind in their learning. Children join a virtual school, away from what they knew and get a chance at a reset. Not a forever decision – a chance to heal, rest, thrive – and build up resilience to start a new year with a new perspective.

I love this! AND I really hope it works – I love the thought that this is an option for families. Remember that a decision you make today, to de-register – can be undone. All we can do as parents is make the best informed decision we can at time of making it. Acknowledging that this decision may not be right at a later point is totally acceptable. Collaborating with your child helps them understand the right thing to do for their future. It teaches them creative thinking and problem solving. This process can shape them into wonderful human beings.

My pointers, if you are not sure it is for the long haul, would be to choose to continue school typical subject learning. This way, it won’t cause an issue into year 10 and 11. I streamlined Evie’s GCSE subjects to suit her – so she doesn’t fit a normal school subject timetable anymore.

I’m looking forward to sharing my next blog!

Laura