Glossary of Home Education Terms

Navigating the world of home education can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially with the unique terminology and concepts involved. Whether you’re a seasoned home educator or just beginning your journey, understanding the key terms is crucial for reading and taking part in discussions regarding home education.

This ever evolving glossary of home education terms in the UK aims to demystify the language and provide you with clear definitions of the most important concepts. From understanding what “Elective Home Education” means to exploring different educational approaches like “Autonomous Education” and “Unschooling,” this guide is here to support you.

1. Autonomous Education: An approach to home education where the child’s interests and choices guide their learning rather than a structured curriculum.
2. De-registration: The process of formally removing a child from a school roll to begin home education. Read my step-by-step guide to deregistration.
3. Deschooling: A transition period when a child is removed from formal schooling and adjusts to a new way of learning, often characterised by a break from structured education.
4. Education Act 1996: The primary legislation governing education in England and Wales, which includes provisions for home education.
5. Education (Scotland) Act 1980: The primary legislation governing education in Scotland, which allows parents to choose home education as a suitable alternative to school and requires parents to inform their local authority when withdrawing a child from school.
6. Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986: The main legislation governing education in Northern Ireland, which includes provisions for home education and outlines the responsibilities of parents and Education Authorities
7. Education Otherwise: A phrase used in UK legislation referring to education provided outside of traditional schools, including home education.
8. Educational Consultant: A professional who offers advice and support to home educating families, often helping with curriculum planning and learning strategies.
9. Educational Philosophy: The set of beliefs and principles that guides a home educator’s approach to teaching their children. There are many different Home Education Philosophies, Styles and Methods to choose from.
10. Elective Home Education (EHE): The official term used by the UK government for home education, indicating that it is a choice made by parents rather than a necessity.
11. Exams and Qualifications: Home-educated students can take public exams such as GCSEs and A-Levels as private candidates.
12. Field Trips: Educational visits and outings that are an integral part of many home education programs, providing hands-on learning experiences.
13. Flexi-Schooling: An arrangement where a child attends school part-time and is home-educated for the remainder of the time.
14. Home Education: The practice of educating children at home rather than in a traditional school setting.
15. Home Education Co-op / Group: A community or support group for families who home educate, offering social opportunities, shared resources, and mutual support.
16. Inspection: The process by which local authorities may review the education being provided at home to ensure it meets certain standards, though this is often informal and may involve meetings or written reports.
17. Learning Objectives: Specific goals or skills that a child aims to achieve through their education, which can be set by parents in a home education context.
18. Learning Plan: A structured outline of the educational activities and objectives planned for a home-educated child, which can be shared with local authorities if requested.
19. Learning Resources: Materials and tools used in home education, ranging from textbooks and workbooks to online courses and educational games.
20. Learning Styles: The various approaches or methods that children use to learn, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
21. Living Book: A living book is a well-written, engaging book that brings subjects to life by presenting ideas in a narrative form. Unlike dry textbooks, living books are usually written by authors who are passionate about the topic, making the material memorable and inspiring for readers of all ages.
22. Local Authority (LA): The local government body responsible for education within a specific area, including oversight of home education.
23. National Curriculum: The framework outlining the subjects and content taught in state schools in the UK. Home educators are not required to follow this, but some choose to use it as a guideline.
24. Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills): The official body for inspecting schools in the UK, which does not inspect home education but may become involved if there are concerns about educational provision.
25. Parental Responsibility: The legal obligation parents have to ensure their child receives a suitable education, whether at school or through home education.
26. Portfolio: A collection of a child’s work and achievements, often used to demonstrate progress to local authorities.
27. Roadschooling: The practice of homeschooling while traveling, incorporating travel experiences and local surroundings into the learning process, with a focus on real-life lessons.
28. Safeguarding: Measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of children, including those who are home educated.
29. Self-Directed Learning: An educational approach where the child takes the lead in their learning process, often linked with autonomous education and unschooling.
30. SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities): A term used to describe children who have additional learning needs or disabilities that may require tailored educational approaches.
31. Socialisation: The process by which children learn to interact and communicate with others, a common concern addressed in home education through various social activities and groups.
32. Spine: In home education, a “spine” refers to a foundational book that provides core content for a subject, around which other resources are organised to create a complete curriculum.
33. Statutory Guidance: Official advice provided by the government to local authorities on how to support and monitor home education.
34. Tutors: Educators hired by parents to teach specific subjects or provide additional support in home education.
35. Unschooling: A form of home education that emphasizes learning through life experiences, play, and natural curiosity rather than a formal curriculum. Find out more about Unschooling a path to lifelong learning.

As home education evolves and new terms emerge, I am committed to keeping this glossary up-to-date. I will regularly update this post with new definitions and relevant information to ensure you have the most current and accurate resources at your fingertips.

Stay informed and empowered with my ever-growing glossary, designed to help you navigate the vibrant and diverse landscape of home education in the UK. Please let me know if there is a term you would like to see added to the list.