A Practical Guide to Home Education & Blended Learning
Advice, best practices, common pitfalls, sample schedules and resources to support learning at home — written for parents and carers.
Understanding Home Education & Blended Learning
Home education means taking primary responsibility for your child’s learning outside the traditional classroom. Blended learning combines in-person teaching (school, tutors) with online or home-based resources.
Both approaches offer flexibility, personalised pacing and the opportunity to focus on your child’s strengths.
Getting Started — Foundations for Success
Legal & Practical
- Check local authority guidance — in the UK you must provide a suitable education but not necessarily follow the National Curriculum.
- Decide whether you will closely follow school curriculum or take a more flexible approach.
- Keep simple records of work and progress — useful for review and transition back to school if needed.
Define Your Goals
Set clear aims: academic coverage, skill development, extra-curricular priorities — and revisit them every term. Make a note of any subjects you want to prioritise or expert help you may need (e.g. specialist tutors).
Creating a Productive Routine
A predictable routine helps children feel secure. Use structured blocks, but allow flexibility for experimentation and deeper projects.