Coding Courses for the Home Education Sector

In the UK, parents have the legal right to educate their children at home, as stated in the 1996 Education Act. As long as the education provided is "suitable to the child's age, ability, and aptitude and to any special educational needs the child may have," parents can choose to homeschool their children without needing permission from local authorities.

Parents who choose to homeschool their children take on the responsibility of managing their child's education, either by teaching the subjects themselves or by hiring private tutors or utilizing online resources.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 home-schooled children in the UK. This number has likely increased due to the pandemic, as many parents opted to continue home education even after schools reopened.

Here are some reasons why it is important to support home education:

1. Individualized learning: Home education allows for a tailored learning experience that takes into account each child's unique strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning styles. This individualized approach can lead to a more effective and enjoyable learning experience for the child.

2. Flexibility: Home education provides the flexibility to adapt the curriculum, schedule, and learning environment to the child's needs. This can be especially beneficial for children with learning differences and special needs, or for those who require a more flexible schedule due to extracurricular activities or family circumstances.

3. Strong family bonds: Home education can strengthen family bonds, as parents and siblings often play an active role in the child's learning process. This close involvement can lead to better communication, understanding, and support within the family unit.

4. Encourages lifelong learning: Home education often fosters a love for learning and curiosity that can last a lifetime. As children are encouraged to explore their interests and passions, they develop an intrinsic motivation to learn and grow, which can be valuable throughout their lives.

5. Safe and supportive environment: Home education can provide a safe and nurturing environment for learning free from distractions, bullying, or peer pressure. This can help children develop a strong sense of self-confidence and self-esteem.

6. Parental control: Home education gives parents more control over their child's education, allowing them to choose the curriculum, resources, and teaching methods that align with their values, beliefs, and educational philosophy.

7. Promotes educational innovation: The home education sector often serves as a testing ground for new educational ideas, methods, and resources. By supporting home education, society can benefit from these innovations and apply them to improve the overall educational landscape.

8. Inclusion and diversity: Supporting home education promotes diversity in educational approaches and acknowledges that one size does not fit all when it comes to learning. Recognizing and supporting diverse educational pathways can contribute to a more inclusive and tolerant society.

9. Empowers parents and children: Home education empowers parents to take an active role in their child's education and allows children to take ownership of their learning journey. This sense of empowerment can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and success in learning.

One of the downsides of home education is that parents may not have specialist skills to teach certain subjects. Geeky Kids is here to help these families by providing assistance and support in STEM subjects, in particular Computer Science and Programming.  

We have over 20 different programming courses in various streams. We can provide group classes or individual private lessons. We can also organize courses for parents to learn how to teach their kids how to code. For more information about our different courses, you can visit the schools page or head over to our curriculum section. 

Supporting the home education sector is essential to ensure that families have access to a wide range of educational options that can cater to their unique needs and preferences. By providing resources, guidance, and recognition, society can encourage a more diverse and inclusive educational landscape that benefits all children.