What is flex-schooling?

The definition of flexi-schooling

Flexi-schooling is an arrangement where a child attends school part-time and is homeschooled part-time. This hybrid model allows children to experience the benefits of a school environment alongside the flexibility of home education.

How does flexi-schooling work?

Flexi-schooling arrangements can be highly customised to fit the needs of the child and family.

Here are some common ways people do it:

• Part-Time School Attendance: The child attends school for specific subjects, such as maths and English, and is homeschooled for other subjects like history or science.

 

• Alternate Days: The child goes to school on certain days of the week and learns at home on the remaining days. This might look like attending school Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with homeschooling on Tuesday and Thursday.

 

• Split Days: Some children might split their day between school and home, attending school in the morning and being homeschooled in the afternoon.

 

• Special Programs: Schools might offer special programs or activities that the child attends, such as sports, music, or art classes, while other academic subjects are covered at home.

These are just examples of what flexi-schooling can offer. More than anything, it gives your child true 'flexibility' (as the name suggests) in their schooling - this means that whatever your child’s needs, you can support them without having to take them out of the school environment entirely!

Is flexi-schooling legal in the UK?

In the UK, flexi-schooling is legally recognised but needs the school's cooperation and agreement. Schools and colleges are under no obligation to agree to such arrangements, but some are happy to do so.

Here are the key steps and things to know:

• Initial Agreement: Parents must approach the school to discuss the possibility of a flexi-schooling arrangement. This requires an open dialogue about how the arrangement will work and how the child's education will be managed.

 

• Head Teacher's Approval: The head teacher of the school has the authority to approve or deny a flexi-schooling request. Their decision is usually based on whether the arrangement is in the best interest of the child and whether it can be practically accommodated within the school's operations.

 

• Formal Agreement: If approved, a formal agreement will be drawn up outlining the specifics of the flexi-schooling arrangement. This includes the days and subjects the child will attend school and the plan for home education.

 

• Monitoring and Reporting: Schools are responsible for ensuring that the child receives a suitable education. This means there must be regular communication between the parents and the school to monitor the child's progress and adjust the arrangement as needed.

 

• Legal Compliance: Parents must ensure that the home education part of the arrangement meets the legal requirements for homeschooling in the UK. This includes providing a full-time education suitable to the child's age, ability, and any special educational needs they may have.

 

By understanding these typical arrangements and legal requirements, you can better navigate the process of setting up a successful flexi-schooling arrangement for their child.

Comparing learning approaches

The learning approach that you think is best for your child varies depending on your specific situation, but before we dive into the specifics here’s a quick comparison of your different options:

Is flexi-schooling a good idea? 

Flexi-schooling offers numerous benefits that can make it an attractive option for many families. One of the primary advantages is the flexibility it provides. This arrangement can allow parents to tailor their child's education to fit their unique learning style and needs, fostering a potentially more personalised educational experience. Children can benefit from the structured environment and social opportunities of school while also enjoying the individualised attention and customised curriculum that home education can offer.

 

Another significant benefit is the ability to accommodate other activities and interests. Flexi-schooling can provide the time and flexibility needed for children to pursue extracurricular activities, sports, or artistic endeavours beyond those provided by the school timetable. This balance can in some cases lead to a more well-rounded development, where children can excel academically and pursue their passions simultaneously.

 

Additionally, flexi-schooling can be particularly beneficial for children who may struggle in a traditional school setting. It allows for a more adaptable learning pace, reducing stress and pressure. This can be especially advantageous for children with special educational needs or those experiencing difficulties with the conventional school environment.

 

Just remember, flexi schooling requires a high level of commitment from parents, effective communication with the school and making sure the balance between school and home learning is struck right for your child.

Who can benefit from flexi-schooling?

Flexi-schooling can be particularly advantageous for several groups of children who might not thrive in a traditional full-time school setting.

Here are some examples of who can benefit the most from this flexible approach to education:

Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Children with SEND often require a more tailored educational approach that addresses their specific learning needs and paces. Flexi-schooling allows these children to benefit from both the specialised support and expertise available in schools and the customised learning experiences that can be implemented at home. This hybrid model can help accommodate their unique learning styles and needs, providing them with the best of both worlds. The flexibility to provide an additional learning environment and approach can significantly enhance their educational experience and outcomes.

Children excluded from other schools for reintegration 

Flexi-schooling can serve as an effective transitional arrangement for children who have been excluded from other schools. It allows these children to gradually reintegrate into the school system while still receiving part of their education at home. This gradual approach can help them adjust more comfortably and reduce the likelihood of future exclusions. It also provides an opportunity to address any behavioural or learning issues in a supportively staged and controlled manner, making for a smoother transition back to full-time schooling when appropriate.

Children experiencing difficulties with school life

Some children may struggle with the conventional school environment for various reasons, such as social anxiety, bullying, or difficulties with the standard curriculum pace. Flexi-schooling offers an adaptable and supportive approach that can help alleviate these challenges. By dividing their time between school and home, these children can receive the individualised attention they need to thrive academically while still maintaining some connection to the school community. This balance can help them build confidence and improve their overall well-being, making school a more positive experience.

How to arrange for your child to have flexi-schooling

Before pursuing flexi-schooling, it's important that you consider several factors to ensure it suits your child's needs:

 

• Assess Your Child's Needs: Determine if flexi-schooling will benefit your child's learning style, interests, and any specific educational needs. Consider their social, emotional, and academic requirements.

 

• Family Commitment: Evaluate the level of commitment required from both parents and the child. Flexi-schooling demands a significant time investment for planning and carrying out home education to ensure they are sufficiently engaged and challenged.

 

• Research: Understand what flexi-schooling entails and gather information from reliable sources. If you happen to know any, speak to other parents who have experience with flexi-schooling to understand how they find it, both in terms of the practical side and how it’s helped them.

 

Steps to implement flexi-schooling

Once you've decided that flexi-schooling is the right choice, you’ll have to go through the process of essentially convincing the school and headteacher that flexi schooling is right for your child, a feasible option for the family and the school.

 

Here are some steps you can follow to help implement it successfully:

 

• Contact the School: Arrange a meeting with the head teacher to discuss the possibility of flexi-schooling. Be prepared to explain why you believe it is the best option for your child and how it can be implemented effectively.

 

• Create a Proposal: Draft a detailed proposal outlining your plan for flexi-schooling. This should include the subjects to be taught at home, the schedule for school attendance, and how you plan to ensure educational continuity. Don’t forget to be flexible yourself! The school are under no obligation to agree so they might have a counter proposal that could still work for your child.

 

• Plan the Curriculum: Develop a curriculum for the home education portion that aligns with the school's curriculum. Ensure it covers all necessary subjects and meets educational standards. You should be able to find curriculum details on the school’s website.

 

• Formal Agreement: If the head teacher approves the arrangement, work with the school to create a formal agreement. This document should detail the flexi-schooling plan, including the days and times your child will attend school and how progress will be monitored.

 

• Set Up A Learning Space: It’s best to prepare a dedicated learning space at home with all necessary resources and materials. This space should have a productive environment and be completely free from distractions.

 

• Regular Reviews: Establish a system for regular reviews and assessments to monitor your child's progress. This can include periodic meetings with the school and maintaining a portfolio of your child's work.

Communication with schools

Communicating with the school is crucial when it comes to flexi-schooling. It's key to keep them in the loop about your child’s progress and any challenges they're facing. By giving regular updates, the school can stay on top of your child's development and provide support when needed. This open dialogue between parents and educators means any issues can be sorted out quickly and your child's educational plan can be adjusted as needed.

 

Fostering a collaborative relationship with the school staff is also essential. Being open to feedback and willing to adjust the flexi-schooling plan based on the school's recommendations can create a more harmonious and effective educational experience for your child. This partnership approach ensures that both home and school environments are aligned and working towards the same educational goals.

We also recommend that you maintain thorough documentation of your child's home education activities. This includes keeping records of lesson plans, completed assignments, and assessment results. Sharing this documentation with the school demonstrates compliance with educational standards and provides a clear picture of your child's progress. By following these pointers, you’ll be able to not only implement flexi-schooling for your child, but also manage it in a successful manner!

 

 

So, is flexi-schooling right for you?

Flexi-schooling can be a rewarding educational option for families looking to provide a more customised learning experience for their child. It offers a flexible and supportive approach that can address specific educational needs and foster a more positive school experience; however, it requires careful planning, clear communication, and a strong commitment from parents.

If you're thinking about flexi-schooling for your child, start by assessing their needs and talking with their school. Be ready to work closely with school staff and keep good records of your child's progress. Regular reviews and tweaks to the plan will help make sure flexi-schooling works well for your family!

Ultimately, flexi-schooling is about finding the right balance that works for your child and your family. By being proactive, flexible, and open to collaboration, you can create an educational experience that helps your child thrive both academically and personally.