Home education: exploring the views of parents, children and young people

Nelson, Jeanette (2014). Home education: exploring the views of parents, children and young people. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This study explores the views and experiences of home educators, children and young people with regard to elective home education (EHE) practice and learning and its position in society. The outcomes of this provision are also examined. This study is topical due to the anecdotal evidence which suggests that home education or home schooling is growing in the UK and worldwide, and there is a resurgence of interest in home education in political and media discourse in the UK. Moreover, this study is also timely due to home education being an under-researched area generally, with children and young people’s views rarely elicited.

The study found that the practices and activities pursued by EHE families were diverse, whether they were focused in the home or other environments. The diversity of the practices followed also echoes the diversity of the sample population itself; although dissatisfaction with schools or established schooling ranked high among those reasons. The experiences and outcomes afforded by EHE were on the whole positive but nonetheless challenges were mentioned with regards to support and funding. Recommendations include greater awareness about EHE as a legal alternative to school; access to/and funding for exams; and increased training for Local Authority officials charged with overseeing or monitoring this area.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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