Home Education Matters

Join Iram and I as we make our way through the English Language IGCSE exam. We discuss the differences between the three main IGCSE options (Edexcel A, Edexcel B and Cambridge English) and then zone in on the Cambridge qualification.Iram guides us through each paper, what to expect, what the examiner is looking for and her top tips to getting the highest grades for each section of each paper.It's a long one but it's a must listen for anyone whose child is sitting the Cambridge IGCSE exam.

Join Ash and I as we catch up on her first month as a home educator. We discuss the highs and the lows, the challenges of socialising and the gradual relaxing into a slower tempo. We will be releasing an episode every month this year charting Ash's journey, so make sure you subscribe or follow the podcast to receive notifications. 

Today is the first in our series of short podcasts using the world of dog behaviourism to inform our discussion on parenting. Yes, it's mad but it works!We're joined by Jo Moorcroft, dog behaviourist, to chat about the role of relationship when parenting. Why does the relationship matter and what can you do to strengthen it as a home educating parent? Hop onto youTube or our FB page and tell us what moments have challenged or strengthened your relationship.https://www.facebook.com/homeeducationmatters 

Today I am joined by children's author and educational psychologist Jodie Foster to discuss how to foster and then harness your child's love of writing. It's full of great advice for helping your child to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!). Whether they're naturally interested in writing or resistant to writing, Jodie has some great tips to get you started in creating a happy, writing environment in your home ed world.

Today I am joined by the fabulous Lainie Liberti, bestselling author of Seen, Heard and Understood, a book which encourages us all to transform our family life. We discuss the idea of partnership parenting and the benefits of meeting your child exactly where they're at and in a way that wholly respects their sovereignty. Lainie answers some of the most common responses and criticisms of this approach, and shares some advice for how to apply this parenting style in everyday situations. Don't worry, it's not that we're doing it wrong, it's that we can maybe do it better. Check it out and don't forget to like, subscribe and rate our podcast if you enjoy it.

Join me for our first episode following the journey of Ash and her son as they embark on home education. Today we discuss deregistering, nervy moments, colour coded planning and even sneak in a quick 'quiz the teacher' round!

The second in our Sharing our Successes mini series is with the amazing Lauren, who was home educated up to 16 in the UK and then went on to do English and Astrophysics at university. The next time you see a post in a FB group asking for 'success stories' from home ed, this might be one to share. And much like our first Successes podcast with Liam, it's clear that home education is the foundation for Lauren's inspirational story. Do check it out and share it around.

I am joined by the wonderful Emma White, home educating parent and founder of Mark My Papers, and we're discussing how to support your child if they choose to apply to a top tier university. We talk about the preparation in advance and the importance of planning your application years in advance, as well as the way to build a firm academic foundation in your home education journey. This is a must listen podcast for any home educating parent aiming to help their child apply to a Russell group / Oxbridge / top level university.

For today's podcast I am joined by experts Jen Shaw, David Oates and Harriet Pattison to discuss how best to support your child to learn to read. We cover the main school approaches to learning to read and its limitations, alongside the other reading options open to home educators (and all parents).From the great Reading War (in the red corner we have phonics, in the blue corner we have whole word learning, in between we have a lot of very befuddled parents!) all the way through to tips on getting started right now supporting your child, this is a fabulous podcast for anyone wanting to help their child feel empowered to pick up a book. If you enjoyed it, do rate our show on your preferred streaming platform and join all our guests on our dedicated FB group just for guests and listeners to the podcast. 

Join Diane as she chats with Keeley, AKA The Farming Mother. It's a really inspirational podcast all about home educating through those tough times, and how nature and animals can bring you and your child something truly remarkable. 

Autism is hugely misunderstood and today we discuss the many benefits as well as the challenges of autism and home educating autistic children. Diane and I are joined by Tara Vassallo, lecturer in Education, specialising in Autism. We discuss spotting early signs of autism, supporting your autistic child, what role wider society plays, labels, integration, resilience and much more. If you'd like to join in the conversation, join us over in our FB group and don't forget that if you enjoyed this podcast please rate, like and subscribe. It really helps to get the word out!

We are excited to have Luke Dadford with us this week talking about Large Language Models, specifically the newly popular ChatGPT software. We discuss the good, the bad, the slightly terrifying and how you can use it to enhance your home education journey. 

Join Diane and Chris as they discuss the wonderful imaginative world of Dungeons and Dragons. From maths to creative thinking, strategy to team work, it's an amazing way to incorporate play into your learning journey. Chris is in our FB group so feel free to pop over and ask him any Dungeon related questions! And follow / subscribe to the podcast to get a notification when we do our follow up podcast with him guiding us through getting started with the game.

A little bonus mid week podcast just to let you all know some minor changes and also a big shout out to everyone around the world who tunes into the podcast. Wherever you are, I see you and appreciate you!Also, I announce a couple of changes and a few things to look forward to in the upcoming episodes.

Latin and Greek ... boring dead languages ... Think again! This podcast was a revelation to me on so many levels. I defy you not to be inspired to get your child (and yourself!) off and learning some ancient Greek and Latin. If only to have the chance to chit chat with your neighbours in a cool, niche language!Ana is in our FB group if you want any advice or tips on incorporating some Latin or Greek into your home schooling journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationmatters

Today I discuss the role of artificial intelligence in learning with Michael Olagunju, the head of Exam Solutions and Air Maths. Join us as we talk about the benefits and pitfall of AI use, how he's embedding ChatGPT style features into his platforms and what this tells us about the future of our schools, our education approach and how it might aid us in our home education journey. If you think any of your friends or family might find this podcast interesting, do share the link with them and spread the word on how home education provision is at the forefront of radical change in the education world.

Sharing our successes within home education! Periodically, we feature interviews with home educated children and today we have a fabulous podcast with 14 year old Liam. As a home educated teen for the last six years, he is uniquely able to share with us just how being home schooled allows him to be able to follow his passions and interests. We discuss his escape from bullying within school to being able to prepare and plan for his ideal future. Liam is an inspirational young man and I am really pleased to be able to share this podcast with you all. [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

What can the world of dog behaviour teach us as parents? Is it all about compliance and control? Do I really want my child to sit on command??Join dog behaviourist, Jo Moorcroft, and I as we discuss what we can learn as home educating parents from the ever advancing world of dog training. Sounds like everything home educating isn't? You might be surprised! [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Today Diane and I have a fun and irreverent discussion about life as a home educator. We chat about our preconceptions of home education versus the reality of life as a home educating family. Ranging from the education aspect to community life, we take aim at our previously held beliefs and discuss how these have been challenged by the reality of being home educators. There's laughter, discussion and even a bit of controversy! [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

It's great to be joined again by Dr Naomi Fisher as we discuss how best to support your anxious child. We discuss the anxieties inherent within our education system (in fact integral to them) and also lots of practical advice for how to help your child navigate their anxiety, coping with it as a family and supporting them through it and out the other side. [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Join Andrea and I as we discuss the crisis in teaching, how to shift from teaching to tutoring and the specific benefits of the home education sector. As a home ed parent, I discuss the things to look out for when choosing a tutor and Andrea gives some amazing insight into why she loves teaching home educated students and the differences in our approach to learning compared to school children.Whether you're a home ed parent looking at using tutors or a teacher wanting to shift into the home ed sector, this episode is a treasure trove of information.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Today I chat with Katherine Sneep from HomeMade Education about how to go about choosing your I/GCSE subjects. We discuss timing of subjects, favourite ones to start with and potential pitfalls of certain curriculum subjects. It's a great whizz-through exam choices for anyone with home educated children aged from 10 upwards. [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

In the second of our Charlotte Mason double bill, I talk to Diana Edwin about how to take this popular approach and use it to help your child through their GCSEs and A levels. Often this educational approach is used by home educators with younger children but then gets dropped as the child nears exam age. Diana explains why the CM approach is an empowering way to retain your child's love of learning whilst also allowing them to get solid UK qualifications. [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

In the first of our Charlotte Mason double bill, I talk to Amanda Goodchild about the benefits of using this approach with your home educated child. We discuss the details of the CM approach: what it is and what it isn't, and tell you everything you need to know to decide if it's the right route for you and your child.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Today's episode covers all things you need to know about EHCPs for your EOTAS or home educated child, including how to get an EHCP, what can be included in one, how the process differs from when in school, how to carry over your EHCP from a school setting, and the benefits and negatives of getting one. Karen is in our FB group 'Home Education Matters' and happy to answer any questions you may have about your specific situation so do join us over there. [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

"You're not going to walk around with a calculator in your pocket all your life" ... Or are we?Join Canadian education entrepreneur Maxwell Roach and I in our lively discussion on the role that actually knowing stuff plays in education. Do we need to know basic maths facts? Is the why more important than the what? Are some sectors of the population needed to just unquestioningly do grunt work? Is accelerated learning helpful or harmful?It's a fascinating and feisty discussion between two people with different educational ideologies. Check it out and tell us what side of the fence you fall on![This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Tired of the limitations of GCSEs? Does your child not fit the narrow mold of our standard (and some might say, antiquated!) assessment system? Maybe you're looking for something without final exams or a system that is more inclusive of your child's preferences? Then this podcast is for you, as Debs and I discuss all the wonderful options out there that map across to GCSEs.Freedom and flexibility? You got it.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Helen and I go through 26 (yes, 26!) different ways to home educate. From structured to unschooling, Charlotte Mason to Reggio Emilia, delight directed to tidal learning - we discuss each one, what it is and why it might work (or maybe not work) for you and your family.Home Education in all its variety! How do you do it? Is your approach on the list? Tell us in the comments and let us know.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Harness your child's techy brain and find out what various qualifications are open to them. In this podcast, I am joined by Holly from TeachAllAboutIT to discuss all things tech education. From gaming courses and internet safety to GCSE and A level Computer Science, we deep dive into specifications and syllabi to discover what options your home educated child has. [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Today's episode is a whistlestop tour through all the things you need to know about home education. We cover:deregisteringyour rights and responsibilitiesreport writingdealing with your local authorityqualifications and college entrydifferent home ed approachesdeschoolingsitting examsother people's judgementhow to engage your child in the processThis is an amazing episode full of information and advice to arm you on your home education journey.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Diane and I discuss some of the most common questions that parents have when considering home education, from "Am I clever enough?" to "But isn't it really boring??" we answer all your questions openly and honestly. If your question isn't answered, comment below and we'll answer it for you.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Join me as I chat with home educating businesswomen Kate Symonds, Claire Hirst and Veronica Williams. From imposter syndrome to spinning never ending plates, we talk about the challenges and enormous benefits of working from home while home educating your children.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

I'm very excited to be joined by Dr Naomi Fisher today, author of hugely popular home education book: Changing our Minds. Join us as we discuss unschooling and the delicate balance between protection and freedom. We look at teen development and educating with respect and equality, with a focus on screen use.Have you ever wondered how to incorporate screen use into your family with honour but also caution? This is a fabulous episode which really dives into the difficulties but also the privileges of parenting our home educated children.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

This second part of our discussion on the US system and how it can be applied to UK home educators sees me chat with Helen Harrold and Jenni Cassidy about their AP offering. Providing an option for British home educated children to combine a High School Diploma with APs in order to attend the very best universities in Britain, join us as we discuss the benefits of AP qualifications compared to A levels. [This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Michele Holmes is on a mission to bring the High School Diploma to UK home educators. Join me as I chat with Michele about why she thinks the American system is perfectly suited to British home educators, and how it equates across to our UK system of GCSEs. No exams, broader range of subjects and parental assessments ... sounds too good to be true? Have a listen and find out!Breaking news ... I managed to wangle listeners to the podcast a $75 discount using code HOMEED75 at https://homeschooldirective.com/program?orid=53&opid=1

Have you removed your child from a traumatic school experience?Do you want to know how to heal your child but still support their learning at home?Worried about how to allow recovery time for your child whilst still doing enough to keep your Local Authority team happy?Struggling to re-engage your child with their learning?Today I talk to Karen Bonthron who works with the LA to support home educated children and it's a fascinating discussion full of advice on re-engaging your child with their learning journey.[This podcast is very much a labour of love, but it's also both a costly and time consuming process ... if you'd like to Buy Me a Coffee - no obligation at all! - you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation]

Exams in the UK are all about hoop jumping. And there's nothing home educators like less than pointless bureaucratic hoop jumping! But don't worry. We've got the ultimate guide to hack the system and make exams as seamless and easy as you dare. From Environmental Management to Edexcel English Language and beyond, we've got some amazing hacks to get you through exams.

Today I'm chatting with Jemma about how best to help your child at home with maths. Maths is all about balance ... no, not balancing equations but learning how to balance rote learning with understanding, fun with efficiency, and freedom with repetition. Join us and learn some great methods to facilitate your child's maths as part of your home educating journey.

Check out our in depth chat with unschooling expert Heidi Steel. It's a fascinating insight into this child led approach to education, detailing both the challenges and the benefits of partnering with your child to choose how, what, when, where, what and why they learn.

Home educating? Why stick to the usual schooly curriculum subjects? These two subjects are 100% exam assessed with fascinating and relevant content for our home schooled / home educated teens, and so are fabulous options for home educators wanting to sit GCSEs as external candidates.

Autonomous parenting? Partnership parenting? Unschooling? Radical unschooling? Come and join Sarah and I as we chat all things autonomy, respect, tolerance and red lines. Some ideas are challenging, and some controversial, but they're all fascinating! Check out this super fun rollercoaster of a chat through the world of free flowing home education.

Join Diane and I recapping some of our highlights (and lowlights!) of 2022 as home educating / home schooling families, and looking ahead to our goals and New Year resolutions for 2023.

For our final episode following a typical home education day, Diane chats to Rosa. Removed from school a few months ago, they discuss the problems they encountered at her secondary school and the impact it had on them all. But don't worry, it has a happy ending!

Today I am chatting with Amanda, a home educator for the last 14 years, who is now guiding her teens through their exam years, college and into university. We also discuss home education successes, independent thinking children and why sometimes you just need to set up your own meet ups.

Today, I'm joined by my 14 year old home educated child, Kerenza, and we discuss her typical day, staggering her exams, studying with dyslexia and the many benefits of being home educated.

For today's Day in the Life series, I'm talking with Greg who came to home schooling during coronavirus. He has now developed a home education journey which embraces nature, learning in every day activities and the power of letting your child follow their passions.

Today I'm talking to Miriam, a home educating mother of four who was also home educated herself as a child. We chat about her experience of being home educated, her typical day as a structured home educator and how personality affects your home education style.

Day three of our Day in the Life series and I chat with Xavier, my very own home educated 16 year old, studying for A levels from home. Join us chatting about how to organise study time, being home educated all the way through and what work is anyway!

Our second episode meets Beckie, who was home educated herself and is now home educating her own children. Find out what her typical day looks like in this second Day in the Life episode.

Our first episode of a mini series where we chat with another home educator about what their typical day looks like and how they became a home educating family.Today we have Wesley, who chose to home educate his son after feeling let down by the school system. And hasn't looked back since!