Home Education Matters

Home Educating a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, Emily chats with the wonderful AuDHDacious Humans about the whirlwind that is home educating a child with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). If your child has PDA or suspected PDA, this is a must listen episode where all three parents talk of their experiences of parenting and home educating this unique condition.

Jenni Angas-Hi, we’re Martha and Jenni. We are both AuDHDers, ex-teachers, and parent carers to our AuDHD/PDA kids, who we now home educate and unschool, since leaving the education system and our jobs as teachers, over 3 years ago. After struggling to find home ed clubs that could accommodate our kids, we started our own: Make and Create Club, where we offer community, advocacy and sensory support in a flexible low-demand environment where pressure-sensitive kids can thrive, especially those who flourish when they carve their own path. Our motto is connection over conforming, always. As AuDHDacious Humans, we offer online support for discombobulated parents, carers, families, and educators looking for an alternative outside the education system to help them find their inner rebel so that all neurodivergent humans can heal and thrive away from the systems that break them. Some people call it a journey. They call it a reckoning.- Jenni's Website- @audhdacious.humans on Instagram- Jenni's Facebook page- Jenni's Facebook group

Links mentioned: https://finchcare.com/

This podcast is a labour of love, and time and energy and commitment and lots of coffee! It really helps us if you can follow us on our social media channels and comment to let us know if you enjoyed the episode, what you'd like to see more / less of and generally come and say hi!

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

Catching up with the Hosts - How is 2026 going!

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Remember those New Year resolutions? Yeah, turns out that we don't either! But we thought we'd check in and see how we're all doing so far in 2026. It's also a great time for you to pause and take stock of your home education journey so far this year, see how it's mapping out, celebrate your stand out moments and think about what changes you might like to make for the rest of the year.

We promise that it's a stimulating episode where we get a lot off our chests :)

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

The Home Education Learn Free Conference

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Today's podcast talks to the founder of the Home Education conference 'Learn Free' which this year is focused on supporting new home educators find their feet and more seasoned home educators deep dive into exams, learning and much more.

You can find the link to book here: https://learnfree.org.uk/ The conference is a great opportunity to come together as a community and meet other home educating parents!

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

Authoritarian Parenting - Parenting mini series with Eleanor and Charlotte

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode of Home Education Matters, we continue our parenting mini-series by exploring authoritarian parenting—what it is, why it’s still common, and how it differs from permissive, neglectful, and connective approaches. We talk about the hallmarks of authoritarian parenting, including strict rules, punishments, and expectations of obedience, and how many of us were raised with elements of this style.

We also discuss why behaviour is communication, how punishments and rewards can sometimes become tools of control, and why many parents experience occasional “authoritarian moments” when overwhelmed. Most importantly, we explore how reflection and repair can help us move toward a more connective, balanced approach to parenting.

Eleanor is again joined by her co-host, Charlotte, a child psychologist, for another engaging, frank and thought provoking chat about parenting and pressures on parents.

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

Unlocking the Power of Music in Home Education

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode of Home Education Matters, Emily is joined by Will Savage, a music educator and founder of Music with Will. Will shares his own home education journey and how music featured in that, and how he now supports other home educated children to also access music education.

Will shares simple and practical tips for home educating parents to easily incorporate music education into their daily lives, whilst also highlighting easily accessible resources that create a fun and engaging environment for children to learn and develop through music.

Will Savage

Will Savage is a musician and educator with nearly 20 years’ experience teaching music and piano. Home-educated himself, he knows firsthand how music can feel like a “black box” to children without formal training. Will’s approach makes music accessible, playful, and understandable, helping children explore, create, and internalize musical concepts through listening, singing, and hands-on activities. He also runs a small online program for home-educated children aged 7–12, providing flexible, interactive lessons that inspire curiosity and confidence in music.

Will's Website Will's Facebook page Will on YouTube

@willsavagemusic on Instagram

Resources mentioned:

clara.imslp.org

Chrome Music Lab

Ableton

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

Five Steps to Incorporating Unschooling into your Home Education Journey

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Unschooling can feel like a wild and scary place for the uninitiated! And so today's podcast is looking at gentle and easy ways to incorporate unschooling and its principles into your home education journey, in way that feel manageable and empowering for you and your child.

I am joined by the wonderful Heidi Steel and she'll be giving us five ways we can dip our toes into this liberating and rewarding approach to a child's learning.

With: Heidi Steel- Heidi Steel is the founder of liveplaylearn.org and the Unschooling Village Hub, and author of the book School Isn’t for Everyone and What You Can Do Instead: A Practical and Neuro-Affirming Guide to Unschooling. She has over 14 years of hands-on experience as an unschooling parent of four always unschooled children. Heidi shares a practical, down-to-earth approach that builds connection, trust, and a lifelong love of learning. Throughout the resources and community that she hosts for unschooling families, you can find support to step away from traditional education systems, and guidance and reassurance to create learning environments that truly work for their families. Heidi’s work is rooted in the belief that children learn best when they are trusted and given the space to follow their natural curiosity.- Heidi's Website - @liveplaylearn1 on Instagram- Heidi's Facebook pageand Heidi's book can be found here

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

Permissive Parenting - Parenting Mini Series With Eleanor & Charlotte

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Today is the first in our parenting mini series and we are starting with exploring Permissive Parenting. This approach to parenting combines many wonderful elements such as child autonomy and responsive parenting. It can, however, throw up challenges both for you as the parent and for your child.

I am joined by my co-host Charlotte Webb, a Clinical Child Psychologist, to take a fun and no holds barred look at permissive parenting.

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

LAMDA Qualifications for Home Educators

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0100

As a home educator, it is sometimes thought that performing arts subjects are out of reach. But in today's episode we explore how home educated children can access LAMDA qualifications from home. We are joined by Rosie Skinner, Principal of the Mendip Performing Arts Academy, to talk all things drama, performing arts and in particular the prestigious LAMDA qualifications.

Join us as we discuss the real life skills that can be built through studying the performing arts and how the LAMDA qualifications support your child's growth whilst also giving them the opportunity to add to their academic portfolio.

Rosie Skinner TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vocal.coach.rosieRosie's Facebook page Rosie's Website

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@vocal.coach.rosie

Email - mendipperformingarts@gmail.com

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Today we are joined by Jenn Hodge to discuss the upcoming Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill which is currently going through Parliament.

We talk about the history of legislation in the home education community, the details of the bill, how it will impact prospective home educators and existing home educating families, as well as its effect on all members of the community but especially children with school trauma or special educational needs. And we also talk about what we can do to try to halt its inexorable progress.

In Jan 2020, following her work in advocacy, community work and facilitating youth provision, Jenn Hodge founded an education centre in Somerset, now supporting a wide range of young people, many of whom are neurodivergent. In 2025, she was named one of the UK’s Top 100 Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain. Today, Jenn is a writer, CEO, and passionate advocate for doing education differently, dreaming of a system that is inclusive, interest-led, and free from exam-driven hierarchy.

@doing.education.differently on Instagram

Jenn's Facebook page

Jenn's Website

Some useful sites for information on the Bill:

https://www.facebook.com/stopthecwsbill

https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationactiongroup/

https://edyourself.org/childrens-wellbeing-schools-bill/

https://educationalfreedom.org.uk/proposed-changes-to-home-education-law-without-the-legal-jargon/

Instagram - TikTok - FB page - Our Private FB group

Battling the Education System - and Winning!

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0100

In today's podcast, we chat with Kim who successfully hustled the education system in the UK and now her 14 year old daughter is happily at university.

Sometimes it feels as if the whole system is pushing against us. Kim shows us just how we can push back and get our child's needs met, and more!

Check out Kim's TikTok to follow her and her daughter's journey.

Astronomy GCSE for Home Educators

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Today's episode is a deep dive into the Astronomy GCSE with the wonderful Physics with Keith, and as you'd expect, we also take some lovely meanders through Physics and also how Astronomy can help you in A levels as well as university.

If your child is interested in a gloriously geeky and wonderfully unusual GCSE, then check out our podcast and find out more about Astronomy GCSE for home educators.

With Keith Dalby - A qualified and experienced physics teacher and head of department, Isaac Science ambassador, and AQA examiner. Delivering online tutoring since 2020.- Keith's Website- @physicswithkeith on Instagram- Keith's Facebook group- Keith's Facebook page- Keith on YouTube- @physicskeith on X

All Things Money with Maddy Alexander Grout

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0100

Today we're chatting with Maddy Alexander-Grout, who shares her journey from spending addiction to financial literacy. We'll be finding out some great practical tips for teaching our home ed children about money, the impact of ADHD on financial decisions and the importance of conscious spending for children and for us as parents.

Along the way, we even find time to challenge a few societal myths about wealth and success. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments!

With Maddy Alexander Grout- Maddy's Website - @maddytalksmoney on Instagram- Maddy's Facebook page - Maddy on YouTube

Home Education - Planning and Reflection

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0100

January is a time for reflection and planning so we thought we'd do a podcast where we talk about our home education journeys in 2025, what we learnt, what we want to take more of into 2026, what we want a bit less of in the future and what habits we'd like to cultivate as part of our home ed world.

Grab a pen and paper and do some reflection and planning with us!

The Two Paths into Home Education: Ideological or Enforced Home Education

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0100

In today's podcast, I am joined by Juliet English to discuss the two main routes into home education and the changing times within the home education community.

Whether you actively chose home education, or felt that you were forced towards it by a difficult school experience, this podcast is a discussion on the differences and dynamics between both routes and how, ultimately, we become one united community.

Find Juliet here on Streams and here for the Home Education conference.

Our Top Home Education Tips!

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Our Christmas gift (surely better than socks and shower gel!) is a little compilation of our top home education tips. We range from resources to wellbeing and they're applicable to all ages and stages.

These tips were first published on our TikTok channel ... I know, so modern! Come and check us out on TikTok and our other social media channels ...

@homeeducationmatters on Instagram- Eleanor's Facebook group - Eleanor's Facebook page

Christmas Quiz 2025

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Yes, we're reviving our Christmas Quiz tradition!

Settle down, snuggle up with the family and get ready for some nice easy questions, some fiendishly tricky questions and to have your general knowledge and home education expertise put to the test ...

Meet the Hosts!

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Did someone say fun quiz recorded at 8am? No-one? :)

Join us as we dive into our personal home education journeys. From fun anecdotes to heartfelt insights, discover how we each navigate the ups and downs of home educating. It's fun, it's candid, it's even sizably controversial ... Enjoy this podcast which gets behind the unique personalities behind the podcast!

STEM Education - From Home Education to University

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0100

STEM subjects are notoriously hard when home educating but they are also rightly popular with our innovated home ed children. So today I am joined by Caroline and Farah to discuss how we can empower our home educated children to study STEM subjects and move into university courses and beyond.

With Farah Khan and Caroline Mukisa, expert guests spanning a wide range of education systems, including UK and international schools, university admissions, as well as home education.

Join their STEM WhatsApp chat here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DTsV2j9axnxIJNw5ARcMDo?mode=wwc

Links referenced in this episode:

Geography at GCSE / IGCSE with Humanatees Learning

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Geography is a lovely Goldilocks subject for home educators to study ... not too hard, not too easy, not too maths-y and not too essay-y!

And to guide us through Geography at GCSE level is Jake from Humanatees, letting us know what to expect on each paper, from the exam more broadly, the different specifications, the fieldwork and beyond.

With Jake Richards - Jake has been the face behind Humanatees Tutoring since 2017. He is a qualified teacher who taught in secondary schools for ten years before becoming a full-time tutor for home educated students in all of the humanities, including Geography. - Jake's Website - Jake's Facebook page

Following their Passions - A Cats' Tale

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0100

For today's bonus mid week episode, Emily chats with fellow home educator Kate whose family has been exploring the benefits and challenges of taking responsibility for a group of street kittens as part of their home education journey!

Support the kittens here: https://gofund.me/9a99e1208

and for raw food with a referral code: https://www.bellaandduke.com/lp/referrals/?ref_code=sapq4d4

Follow Kate and her daughters' journey here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thephoenixgreen/p/our-journey-to-a-barefoot-education

"I'd love to Home Educate but ... I'm not clever enough!"

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Debunking Home Education Myths ...

So many people would like to home educate but feel that it is not accessible for them for various reasons. In this series, we will debunk some of these myths and counter some of the common reasons people feel they can't home educate.

Starting with ... "I'm not clever enough to home educate" - Emily, Charlotte and I discuss this common idea and why it's rarely parental education, cleverness, qualifications or knowledge that lead to a successful home education journey.

Stop Making Excuses why you can't Home Educate!! with Hannah Canavan

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Buckle up because I'm joined by Hannah from Instagram's hugely popular ThrivingWithHannah to discuss all the many excuses people give for why they can't home educate.

We pick through when an excuse is a valid reason and when it's just "lazy parenting" 😜 And trust me, we express opinions!

Come and have a listen and let us know what you think in the comments below ...

Find Hannah here:

Legal and Parental Rights when Home Educating

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Are you solid on your legal rights as a home educator? It's vital that we arm ourselves with all the information we can to protect our rights.

In this episode, I am joined by Wendy Charles Warner from Education Otherwise who guides us through both our rights and also the statistics behind court proceedings. She gives some great advice for every step of the way, from that first contact with the LA through to appearing in court.

https://www.educationotherwise.org/

Is Home Education Right for Us? Answering a Listener's Questions

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0100

In today's podcast, I chat to Nicola, a prospective home educator and long time listener to the show. We talk about her fears and worries around home education and I do my best to advise, reassure and support her with these questions.

This is a great episode for anyone who is sitting on the fence, a bit unsure, but instinctively wanting to take the plunged into home education!

Deschooling with Helen Royston

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 09:30:00 +0100

Welcome to our deschooling episode! I'm joined by Helen Royston to talk about:

why it's important to deschool
what it looks like
how long it lasts (spoiler: longer than you think!)
how to do it
what to avoid

Did you go through a deschooling process? How did you find it? Let us know in the comments ...

Links referenced in this episode:

Neurodivergence and home education: when school is the safeguarding issue

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:30:00 +0100

In this episode, we talk to Emily who is a home educating mum of three with autism and adhd, whose children are all also neurodivergent. What emerges is a safeguarding issue - but no, not the usual rhetoric around home education and registers. Here school was the safeguarding issue for Emily's child and home education is the place of care and freedom.

With Emily Fae - Emily is a home educating mum of 3. As a late diagnosed neurodivergent woman parenting and educating her three neurodivergent daughters, she is passionate about sharing her experiences and supporting other mums in similar situations, helping empower them in making the right choices for both them and their children. - @Calmspace_calmmind on Instagram

Navigating Meltdowns? Essential Strategies for Home Educating Parents

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 09:30:00 +0100

Today's podcast looks at a common parenting struggle through the eyes of home education. There are always times when we find ourselves in the eye of a storm, navigating overwhelm, tantrums, fury and meltdowns in our home (and that's just us!).

Home education can magnify these moments as you spend so much more time together but it also offers great scope to work through these moments successfully together without external interference or triggers.

Charlotte and I suggest five practical strategies to help you as a family before, during and after a period of overwhelm, and of course do so within the context of home education.

With Charlotte Webb - Hello! I am Charlotte Webb, I am a therapist and psychological coach, I specialise in connective parenting, neurodivergence and home education advice and support for children and adults in my local community. I am a home ed mum to 4 children and I run a home education learning centre. - @charlotteswebboflife on Instagram - Charlotte 's Facebook page - Charlotte 's Facebook group

Home Educating as a single parent

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Home educating can be a lonely journey and this is often even more so when you are doing it as a single parent. And yes, there are positives (and we get to these, don't worry!) but Tamsin and I are also here to talk about the difficult times and particular challenges to home educating as the lone parent in the house.

[Enjoying the podcast? Leave a comment and say hi or take the time to rate us or share us with friends. It means a lot to us!]

Dual enrollment for the High School Diploma with Michele Holmes

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Today I am joined again by Michele Holmes from the Home School Directive and we talk about how to add dual enrollment credits onto your High School Diploma transcript to help with university entrance to the UK or worldwide universities.

This is an amazing route for students who don't want to take A levels, the SAT exam or the AP (Advanced Placement) exams. Instead, your home ed child can study courses from the first year of university and use these, alongside the High School Diploma, to gain access to most (if not all!) UK universities.

If you are interested in signing up for the High School Diploma route (as I did with my daughter) then I've wangled you a lovely discount with Michele's company using this discount code just for listeners to this podcast! Add this code into the discount section when checking out for a great $75 discount off the price of signing up with Michele: HOMEED75 at https://homeschooldirective.com/program?orid=53&opid=1

With Michele Holmes from Home School Directive - https://www.facebook.com/homeschooldirective/ - https://www.instagram.com/homeschooldirective/?hl=en

A Journey into Home Education - Ash's Story - 'The Reprise!'

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Have you been wondering how Ash and Ismael have been getting on since we last spoke to them? Me too!

Today we catch up with Ash and hear about Ismael's return to school last Autumn and the journey they've been on since. And we'll be resuming our monthly check ins with Ash so stay tuned next month for our latest installment ...

Return of the podcast!

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0100

And we're back! With a new plan, new hosts, old hosts and lots of great episodes coming up ...

Podcast handover!

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 07:48:00 +0100

And it's official. Today you'll meet your new Home Education Matters host and hear about her plans for the future of the podcast.

Enjoy the episode and thank you all so much for listening for the past two years!

Incorporating politics and philosophy into your home education journey with Dr Karem Roitman

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 08:21:00 +0100

It's my final episode as your host (but not of the show!) and I recorded this interview with Karem way back in Spring but, as I was recording it, knew I wanted to sign out with this podcast, so have held it back all this time. It was a tour de force of patience!

Karem and I discuss the importance of raising politically and philosophically engaged children and how home education is the perfect environment for these subjects. We talk about the who, what, how, why and when of incorporating Politics and Philosophy, and then more widely about home education as an act of love, freedom and defiance.

Worldschooling hubs

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 08:19:00 +0100

I am joined by Emmy from Arctic Terns as we discover the opportunities around the world for home educated children. From six weeks in Bansko for the whole family to a month of teen independence in the Netherlands, Emmy guides us through worldschooling hubs and what they can offer your home educating family.

Going to university outside the UK

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 08:17:00 +0100

Join Caroline and I as we discuss the benefits, pitfalls and procedure for applying to a non UK university. We roam around the globe discussing university culture, options for time abroad and applications procedure, as well as the all important topic of financing!

Understanding visual stress / Meares-Irlen syndrome

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 09:30:00 +0100

What a fascinating podcast we have today as I am joined by Lisa and Sam, visual stress assessors, to guide us through this much neglected condition.

We look at what it is, what the symptoms might be and how to support your child (or yourself!) if you think they might have visual stress.

Enjoy the show and do share it around with anyone who you think might be experiencing this condition!

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/pL8KqHrs9UkjM2ep/?mibextid=K35XfP

https://www.visualstress.net/

https://www.facebook.com/ColourCalm.VS/

Moving on from home education

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 08:39:00 +0100

In today's podcast I chat with some parents whose children have moved on from home education and away from home. Home education can be a particularly immersive way of parenting (for good and for bad!) and it can be a difficult adjustment to move from that intensity and connection to a quieter home when the children leave for college or work.

In this podcast we discover the joys, losses and surprises of an empty nest and how we have made that transition.

Writing a home education report with Cheryl from Educational Freedom

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 11:49:00 +0100

It was great to have Cheryl on to talk us through the process of giving information when requested to the local authority, what most of us think of as 'writing the annual report' (which is a bit of a misnomer as will be revealed in the podcast!).

Cheryl guides us through:

When and whether to respond
The ways to respond
What to include
What not to put in
Frequency
Issues
Communication

And so much more!

Educational Freedom is a great website for getting some really solid information and support: https://educationalfreedom.org.uk/

Home Education in Wales

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 11:45:00 +0100

Join Amy and I as we make our way through the home education rules and regulations, as they shift and change, in Wales.

We talk about:

Deregistration
Reports
Exams
Additional Learning Needs
Changing government legislation / statutory guidance

It's a complicated and very quickly changing environment but involves changes that everyone in home education needs to be aware of, whether you're in Wales or not. A register brought into one area of the UK can very often have ripples that spread widely.

Check it out and do share around with any home ed bods.

Home Education in Scotland

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 13:22:00 +0100

Join Emma, busy home educating mum of 7, to discuss home educating in Scotland and how it differs from other parts of the UK.

Together, Emma and I discuss deregistration, LA checks and reports, as well as exams and home educating children with additional needs.

If you enjoy the show, do like and subscribe or leave a comment, wherever you are listening to us and share it around with any of your home ed friends.

I definitely don't do this podcast for the money ;) But you're always very welcome to support what I do by buying me a virtual cup of coffee! buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation

Going to university from home education

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 08:33:00 +0100

Today's podcast looks at making that transition from home education to university and I am joined by Ossie, a recent graduate from Cambridge who pit stops with us before going on to do his Masters.

We talk about making that move from autonomous home education to the more structured university life, as well as talking about workloads, perception of home education and, of course, 'socialisation'!

This podcast is about giving something back to the home ed community. But you're always very welcome to support what I do by buying me a virtual cup of coffee! buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation

Modular Maths exams with Veronika Skye

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 09:49:00 +0100

Fancy a maths GCSE that you can split into parts and retake at your leisure? Yeah, me too!

In this podcast, we talk about the new modular maths exam at GCSE level and discuss its benefits and disadvantages, as well as what to expect and how to book onto it.

Next week's podcast is a look at the university experience from a home educated person's perspective so stay tuned for that.

Don't forget that this podcast is brought to you with love and lots of cups of tea! If you'd like to keep me supplied in Rooibos while I chat to our guests, you can now buy me a cup at: buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation

Recovering from school bullying

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 08:24:00 +0100

For our last episode in our mini series "School's Out", I talk to Vicky about her daughter's experience of bullying at school. It's a shocking but ultimately hopeful episode as we learn about their journey from school trauma to the amazing restorative power of home education.

Next week, we'll be back to our usual mixture of episodes starting with a podcast on the new modular maths exam. Intrigued? Stay tuned for next Sunday's show!

Healing from school trauma

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 11:04:00 +0100

Today's episode is a personal story from Martine who shares her experience of witnessing her son's traumatic school journey and then embarking on the healing journey of home education.

Martine's story is both shocking and emotional, and yet from it her and her family have repaired themselves and come out the other side stronger and wiser.

* This episode contains some distressing descriptions and therefore if you or your child have experienced school based trauma, you may find this a difficult episode *

Coping with trauma in your home educating family with Dr Koslowitz

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 08:16:00 +0100

Today I am joined by Dr Robyn Koslowitz, expert in trauma and author of upcoming book on Post Traumatic Parenting.

In this insightful episode we will talk about how school can cause trauma and the ways in which home education can uniquely heal those wounds. Robyn also guides us in how to differentiate trauma from the usual childhood ups and downs, and gives her advice on healing those trauma wounds in our children.

Often, the act of removing your child from the mainstream education system and having witnessed their distress can have an extremely traumatic effect on us as parents and so Robyn has some great advice for how we can go about healing our own parental trauma.

It was great to have Robyn on the show and next week, as part of our 'School's Out' series, we will have an interview with a parent for whom school was hugely traumatic both for them and their child, so watch out for next week's episode.

And for those interested in the episode mentioned on the podcast on supporting your anxious child and how the school system is uniquely manufactured to create anxiety, check out our podcast with Naomi Fisher - episode 37.

School's Out - A personal perspective with Helen

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 09:41:00 +0100

Welcome to our summer series - School's Out! Where we'll be shining a lot on some of the issues within the education system which has led many of us to opt out.

Whether it was an ideological choice, a responsive choice to school or even an imposed decision due to your school situation, we've all come to this because we feel this is a preferable route.

In this podcast, Helen gives us her honest perspective on school and home education. This episode, from a self-titled 'homeschool slacker' has everything, running the gamut from prison yards to unwanted erections. It's a no holds barred look at Helen's encounters with education, both at home and at school.

And next week, we'll start exposing stories of negative school experiences and allowing individual traumatised children to have their stories told.

And yes, it's not all schools and all teachers and all children. But it's enough of them to make it worth passing comment, and a home education podcast feels the perfect place to showcase these stories. We're opting out and speaking up.

A Journey into Home Education - July 'Healing'

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:02:00 +0100

Join Ash and I for the last episode following her journey into home education. And this month we look back at July but also take a wider look at the things she has learnt, the rewards and challenges of the last year, plus what she's looking forward to in the future.

I know we've all loved the monthly chats with Ash and it's been such a joy to follow her and Ismael's journey this year through a process that ultimately was a restorative and healing one for the whole family.

And who knows maybe this is just au revoir rather than goodbye ...

All you need to know about Access Arrangements

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 09:12:00 +0100

Home educating through exams can be difficult to navigate so, in this podcast, Julie Barker from Faregos guides us through the procedure for access arrangements.

We cover what they are, how to get them, what they're not, top tips and advice and much more.

Check it out and share around with any fellow home educators who may be wanting access arrangements for their exams!

The Exams Process with 3A Tutors

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 09:38:00 +0100

Today we talk through the nuts and bolts of the exam process with Paul Turner from the very popular exam centre 3A Tutors in Bristol.

It's a long one so skip to the bits that are relevant to you or settle down for everything you ever wanted to know about exams as a home educator!

TIMINGS -

5:45 Exam sittings

11:30 Registering for exams

13:00 Fees

14:15 Access Arrangements

24:15 How the process works

25:45 Exam entry codes and booking exams

31:30 Timings of exams and what to do if you’re late

34:30 Exam subjects and IGCSES vs GCSES

40:30 Oral exams and MFL subjects

43:15 AS levels and modular GCSEs

47:30 On screen and online exams

51:15 Practicals for exams

56:15 Coursework

59:15 Exam rules

1:10:30 Special Consideration

1:16:45 Cancelling exams

1:19:00 Grade boundaries

1:22:30 Results and Certificates

1:25:20 Appealing grade results / Review of marking

1:29:30 Post exams

1:30:45 Resits

And keep an eye out for our Access Arrangements deep dive coming up next week ...

Online Learning with Mary Middlebrook

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 15:02:00 +0100

Today's podcast dives into the world of online learning. Myself and the fabulous Mary Middlebrook discuss:

How to get the best out of online resources
Where to find top quality online education
What to look for and what to avoid
Creating a pick and mix global online education to support self study

And much much more.

Enjoy the podcast! And don't forget that if you'd like to support the work we do to bring these episodes to you every week, you're now able to donate to the show and help to keep us free and airing into your homes every week:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HomeEducation

Resolving conflict with Sven Lauch

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 09:48:00 +0100

When you home educate you get used to people saying "oh I could never do that, we'd all get on each other's nerves so much". So today we will be discussing conflict and how to handle it if you home educate (and if you don't!).

Sven Lauch guides us through his 4 step approach and explains why conflict need not always be avoided but instead can be used to further healthy communication and connection.

[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]

A Journey into Home Education - June 'Bravery'

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0100

Join Ash and I as we discuss how her home education journey went in June. We talk about the bravery it takes to home educate and the bravery it's currently taking to put Ismael back into school. And much more.

If you enjoy this episode, click 'subscribe' so you get alerted when new episodes come out!

Sharing Our Successes - Changing Lives

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 13:59:00 +0100

Today is the last episode in our mini series where we showcase some of the amazing stories from within our home education community.

And we meet Naomi John O. who is an inspiring 16 year old home educated student who is busy making a difference to the world we live in.

Check out her story here and maybe share it around with any 'doubters' who question your decision to home educate!

Improving writing without writing with Munira Adenwalla

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 11:31:00 +0100

Want to help your child improve their writing skills without picking up a pen? We've got you covered on this podcast where Munira will guide us through her top tips to improve your child's writing.

We cover some great strategies and approaches which are all designed to build confidence and ability without some of the anguish that goes with copy writing or handwriting practice.

Home Educating with ADHD with Amy Neylon

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 09:52:00 +0100

Today's podcast talks about the unique challenges of home educating when you have ADHD. And we talk to Amy about her journey of self discovery around having ADHD and how it's affected, positively and negatively, her home education experience.

Alert! If you don't want to listen to 15 minutes of discussion about how broken the school system is, skip ahead to 15:00. You have been warned ;-)

Auditory Processing Disorder and British Sign Language with Shelley

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 13:13:00 +0100

Join Shelley and I as we discuss home educating a child with Auditory Processing Disorder and the value of incorporating British Sign Language into your home ed journey.

This is a fascinating and sometimes emotional conversation where we talk about the pressures on ourselves as home educating parents and the balancing act of prioritising our children's needs with little state support. We delve into what APD is, the struggle to get diagnosed and also discuss BSL and its variations, along with the sheer joy of learning a new language and being able to communicate with your baby and child in an empowering way.

From home educated to home educator with Pamela Anton

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:27:00 +0100

Today I am joined by Pamela Anton who set about persuading her parents to home educate her when she was a child, at a time when home education was much less common. Armed only with a magazine article and a distinct hatred for school, Pamela launched into home education and now has chosen that route for her own children.

Listen to Pamela's fascinating story about her interaction with the school system and the impact that being in school had upon her on a day to day level. And how this experience has informed her own parenting journey to this day.

A Journey into Home Education - May 'Ebbs and Flows'

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:40:00 +0100

Ash and I discuss how her May has been going and it's been a month of ups and downs. Both Ash and Ismael are working to get ready for their return to school in September and it's been a bumpy ride!

Encouraging reluctant writers with Dr Kat Patrick

Sun, 26 May 2024 08:35:00 +0100

Today's podcast is all about inspiring your child in their approach to writing and reading. Often these things come in waves of motivation and the beauty of home education is that you're able to flow with your child as their interests shift.

But similarly being able to write fluidly, fluently and with ease is an important life skill and can unlock a future of creativity in allowing your child to put their thoughts down on paper, whether with pen or keyboard.

Dr Patrick guides us through some great ideas for supporting your child to learn a love of writing and, more broadly, a love for learning that will leave you all feeling equipped and empowered in your home education journey.

Parenting with Possibilities - Being the Conscious Arsehole

Sun, 12 May 2024 10:46:00 +0100

Today's episode is Female Rage: The Podcast!

Join Sareeta Pattni and I for our last in the series Parenting with Possibilities. This episode looks at the role that anger can play in our parenting and how to honour it and express it in a way that feels healthy for everyone.

We talk about boundaries, saying no and when to go and scream into a pillow! Check it out and do share it around with your parenting friends.

A Journey into Home Education - April 'Transitions'

Thu, 09 May 2024 20:04:00 +0100

Join Ash and I in our latest installment of A Journey into Home Education where the household has been afflicted by sickness and preparations are being made for Ismael's return to school this autumn.

Worldschooling with Astrid Vinje

Sun, 05 May 2024 09:16:00 +0100

One of the amazing things about home educating is the flexibility it offers and my guest today embraced that flexibility by taking her family across the world.

In this episode we talk about how she did it, the places she went to, the reasons she worldschooled and her advice for how to set about it. It's a great episode for anyone with undiagnosed wanderlust!

English Literature at GCSE / IGCSE with Andrea Gadsbey

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:20:00 +0100

Andrea returns from our very popular podcast episode 'From Teaching to Tuition' and today we are doing a subject deep dive into English Literature.

There are options galore when it comes to English Lit so buckle up while we do a whistle stop tour through the main offerings, look at what you can expect on the different papers and discuss how to choose the right specification for you.

The 'truths' of home education

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 09:57:00 +0100

Join my children and I as we talk about our ups and downs during the last fifteen years of home educating. There's nothing more candid than a pair of home educated teens so buckle up and settle in to hear a discussion ranging from the good and the bad, to the possibility of a register and the perils of bad parenting!

Environmental Management IGCSE with Damian Webb

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:13:00 +0100

For today's podcast, I am joined by Damian from Earthlings Learning to talk through the Cambridge IGCSE in Environmental Management.

This exam is a great choice for home educators and is often the first one that a home ed child will sit. So settle back and hear all the ins and outs of the exam, what you can expect and how to maximise your enjoyment of the subject.

A Journey into Home Education - March 'Socialising!'

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:30:00 +0100

It's our March episode of A Journey into Home Education and we are catching up with Ash in her year of home education.

Today we talk about the joys of home ed socialising, the prospect of a return to school this Autumn and Ismael's youTube speed run!

Van Schooling - life on the road when home educating

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 11:26:00 +0100

Emma from We are the Nomaders is taking her home education journey to the road. With one husband, one van and three children, Emma is exploring the possibilities that home education on the move offers herself and her family.

In today's episode, find out how she does it, where she's off to and the highs and lows of life of home educating on the road.

Citizenship GCSE and Global Citizenship IGCSE with Jeanette from Get Keyed Up

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 08:52:00 +0100

Today I am joined by Jeanette from Get Keyed Up and we are doing an in depth study guide for Citizenship GCSE and Global Citizenship IGCSE. These are great, relevant qualifications open and accessible to home educators.

We compare the two options and then look at the community projects, the type of questions you'll be asked and which is the most maths / essay heavy. Do check it out and don't forget to leave a rating and share around with friends.

Parenting with Possibilities - The Importance of Community

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:59:00 +0100

Sareeta Pattni and I discuss the role that community and collaboration plays in parenting, specifically home educating parenting. This is a thoughtful and vulnerable episode for both of us and we touch on the destabilising role of comparison, the difficulty of finding your tribe and how we contribute to our own isolation.

Marine Science IGCSE with Amy Smith

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 17:18:00 +0100

I am delighted to be joined by Amy from E-Learn with Amy to guide us through the new and very popular Marine Science IGCSE.

We discuss what you can expect from the exam, the topics, questions and the practical component to help you and your child prepare for the exam.

Economics GCSE and IGCSE with Helen James

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 08:52:00 +0100

Today's podcast is an up close and personal look at Economics. Helen guides us through all the exam options so that you can choose the exam specification that suits your child. We talk about the layout of the exams, which has the most Maths, which has the least writing and lots more.

A Journey into Home Education - February 'Clicking into place'

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:36:00 +0100

Join Ash and I as we see how February has gone for her and Ismael in their home education journey. This month we see things clicking into place and an exciting new child led project taking shape.

Supporting your young child's wellbeing

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 12:40:00 +0100

Join author Richard Clarke and I as we discuss ways to support your child's wellbeing. We talk about how to help them with issues such as anxiety, grief and the effects of covid on a young generation.

Younger children often struggle to vocalise their inner emotional world, so it's great to be able to chat with Richard about how we can support our young children with their mental health from home.

Home educating through to 18 with Jenni Cassidy and Helen Harrold

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 13:57:00 +0100

Today we venture into the often unknown world of home educating through the college years. There aren't many of us who home educate through A levels / equivalents but that number is growing every year.

Jenni, Helen and I discuss the advantages and pitfalls (but mainly advantages!) of home educating through to 18 and beyond.

Biology IGCSE with Elizabeth Boxall

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:40:00 +0100

Today is another of our subject deep dives, and we're looking at Biology IGCSE (with a smattering of GCSE and the space between!).

Ibby and I discuss the role of practicals in science, the differences between the exam specifications available to home educators, as well as looking at top revision tips, a general understanding of how Biology as an exam works and resource ideas.

Discipline and compliance within parenting - A conversation with Jo Moorcroft

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 11:46:00 +0100

Join Jo and I for our next discussion in our mini series analysing the worlds of parenting humans and animals! Today we are talking about what role discipline plays in home ed parenting. Does it prevent chaos and anarchy or does it create repressed behaviours and increase frustration? And is compliance needed and when?

Buckle up for another thought provoking discussion on how the worlds of parenting and dog behaviourism collide!

A Journey into Home Education - January 'Natural Rhythms'

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:49:00 +0100

It's the first of the month so it's time to catch up with Ash and Ismael's journey into home education. And we're on month five and it's been a month of settling into the natural rhythms of home ed. Plus we discuss the benefits of private tuition, the importance of relaxing into it and glimmers of hope for socialising!

Revision tips with Iram Malik

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0100

It's revision time! And today's episode is a fabulous in depth look at how to maximise your revision success. From planning and scheduling to resources and strategies, we look at how to make revision work in your household.

Comment and tell us your top revision tip and let's share our wonderful knowledge as home educators!

Parenting with Possibilities - Grounding, bubbling and choosing your battles

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 09:36:00 +0100

Join Sareeta and I as we discuss the role that the parent can play in allowing your child to express their emotions by finding a way to listen without problem solving.

Then we move on to the ideas of being grounded as a person to give yourself that space and calmness we need in our centre, creating a bubble around you to help in moments of stress and recognising, from this grounded calm core, which battles are worth fighting and when it's time to let go.

Exam revision using past papers with Emma White

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 10:41:00 +0100

Today we talk about how to use past exam papers as a hugely effective means of revision. Emma guides us through the do's and don'ts of using exam papers, the advantages of it as a revision system and how to ensure your child is fully prepped for that moment they sit down for their exam at the centre.

All you need to know about the EHCP process with Ann Drewitt

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 09:52:00 +0100

Today we do a deep dive into EHCPs including:

EHCP at school
EHCP and specialist school provision
EOTAS
EHCP with a budget
And the advantages and disadvantages of each possible route

Plus a huge amount more. Ann is an expert in the provision of EHCPs and we are really grateful for her time talking us through this vital but complex area of educational support.

A Journey into Home Education - December ’Confidence and Understanding’

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 09:45:00 +0100

Welcome to month four of our regular catch up with new home educator Ash. And today we find out how December has gone for her and her son, Ismael.

It's been a time of nagging inner voices and so we discuss the inherent worry of parenting and the self-doubt that hits us all as home educators from time to time. And we also look ahead to the next year and discuss the tweaks and adjustments Ash hopes to make in her home education journey.

Christmas Special - Quiz Time!

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 09:58:00 +0100

Welcome to a special Christmas edition of Home Education Matters and we are going for a quiz on all things home education! Sit back, test your knowledge and see if you can keep up with the ever changing question numbers :)

Sharing our Successes - Making Home Education work for you with Chloe

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 09:27:00 +0100

It's the third episode in our Sharing our Successes season and we're meeting the fabulous Chloe, who is crafting her own home education journey to make sure it works just right for her. She's a fabulous example of liberation from 'this is how it's always been done' to 'this is how I'm going to do it!'. And all this while documenting it on her Instagram account: chlojosclassroom.

Feeling like you need a bit of inspiration for how to run your life better? I reckon Chloe's the girl to give it you!

How to engage a disengaged child with Humanatees Learning

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 09:15:00 +0100

Is your home educated child struggling to engage with their learning? Maybe you've just started home educating and your child isn't engaging with their work or perhaps you've been home educating a while but have hit a bit of a wall.

Today we talk to Jake from Humanatees to find his top tips for engaging a child who has disengaged from their learning.

Do children need manners? A parenting discussion

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 09:15:00 +0100

Join Jo Moorcroft, dog behaviourist, and I as we discuss the role of manners and etiquette in parenting. Our latest episode as part of our mini series where we see how the worlds of dog behaviourism and progressive parenting meet!

Today we discuss what role manners has to play when home educating your child, whether there is a place for learned etiquette and how our family values might dictate our approach to manners as parents.

A Journey into Home Education - November ’Relaxing into it’

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 09:27:00 +0100

Our monthly catch up with Ash and Ismael on their home educating journey and today we hear how month 3 is going. We discuss that fine line between 'lessons' and 'learning', how home education impacts on the wider family and the role that the parent's attitude plays in making it a success.

Look out for next month's catch up which will be out on 1st January 2024. How time flies!

Physics for Home Educators with Claire Johnson

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 08:54:00 +0100

Today Claire and I deep dive into Physics provision for home educators, with a focus on secondary age learning. We discuss the different exam specs available to home educators, IGCSE vs GCSE, incorporating practicals into your home learning and how to revise for your exams most effectively.

A big thank you to Claire for guiding us through Physics and she'll be in our FB group to answer any subject specific questions you might have: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeeducationmatters

Parenting with Possibilities - The 4 Feelings with Sareeta Pattni

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 09:49:00 +0100

Join Sareeta Pattni and I as we launch into the very first episode of our new series which focuses on parenting issues when home educating.

Today we talk about the importance of allowing feelings to be expressed, how to help your child feel able to discuss their emotions and how to also express your own emotions in a way that is both helpful and healthy for the family.

Keep an eye out for episode two when we'll discuss the roles of speaker and recipient in emotional conversations and how to ensure they land just right with you and your child.

Season One Finale!

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 09:44:00 +0100

We celebrate coming to the end of our first year podcasting with a very special episode. Join Diane and I as we talk about her big news, plus there's a special announcement right at the end so stay tuned for that one.

To help us celebrate, perhaps each of you could share your favourite episode of our podcast in a home ed FB group. We know that home ed is all about connection and sharing episodes across platforms is a wonderful way for us to connect with more of you.

And thank you to everyone for joining us throughout this last year. It's been a lot of fun and we couldn't have done it without you all listening to us each and every week!

Online schools with Lianne Abram

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:10:00 +0100

For this episode, I am joined by Lianne Abram, the creator of the Which Online School guide. Love them or hate them, online schooling is a lifeline for many home educators and today we explore what to look out for, how to find a good one and what sort of options are open to you. As well as a rather fun debate on the pros and cons of online schooling when home educating. Do leave a comment and tell us what side of the fence you fall on!

And a big thank you to Lianne for putting up with all my questions and some of my rather combative views ;-)

A Journey into Home Education - October ’Ups and downs!’

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:23:00 +0100

We catch up with Ash in her second month as a home educator. Hear about her ups and downs, her experiences writing her report for the Local Authority and the perils of home education socialising!

Do subscribe to our podcast to make sure you're notified of our next episode on Ash's journey or join our FB group to chat with Ash and all our other podcast guests.

The GrowBadges Project for your home educated child

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:11:00 +0100

Today I am joined by Matt and Miriam from GrowBadges, an amazing project designed to help your child (and you!) explore some of the more diverse skills we find in our modern world. From journalling to diversity, volunteering to gardening, GrowBadges are shining a light on some of the most important 'soft skills' that are often so important within the home education community.

Do check it out and if you enjoy it, give us a review!

Incorporating play into your home education journey with Jo Moorcroft

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 16:36:00 +0100

Join myself and Jo as we discuss another vital element of home education, the power of play. As part of our mini series looking at the ways dog psychology meets parenting, we talk about the educational value of play, the ways it can be incorporated into your home ed daily life and the wonderful ways it can create harmony and bonding within your family.

It's never too late to incorporate play into your family life, so check it out and do give us a like, subscribe and review if you enjoy our episodes.

Exploring the wonderful world of Rap Yoga with Veronica Youdell

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:17:00 +0100

Today we talk to Rap Yoga creator Veronica Youdell to discover the amazing creative and well-being benefits of combining rap and yoga. It is an amazing way to foster self-confidence, creative skills and holistic movement for you and your home educated child.

If you enjoy our podcast, do leave us a review :)

English Language IGCSE - Cambridge - with Iram Malik

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:04:00 +0100

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.

A Journey into Home Education - September ’One Month In’

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 11:37:00 +0100

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.

The importance of relationship in parenting

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 09:49:00 +0100

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

Inspiring your child to write with Jodie Foster

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:44:00 +0100

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.

Help your child feel Seen, Heard and Understood with Lainie Liberti

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 09:59:00 +0100

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.

Our very first ’Journey into Home Education’ - Ash’s Story

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 15:21:00 +0100

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!

Sharing Our Successes - From Home Education to NASA with Lauren

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 11:40:00 +0100

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.

Helping your child get into a top tier university with Emma White

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 12:21:00 +0100

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.

Helping your child learn to read with Harriet, David and Jen

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 10:59:00 +0100

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.

The gift of nature in home education with The Farming Mother

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:08:00 +0100

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.

All about Autism with Diane and Tara Vassallo

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:46:00 +0100

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!

Using ChatGPT and other LLMs in your learning with Luke Dadford

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 09:22:00 +0100

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.

How Dungeons and Dragons can inspire your home education journey! with Chris Nicholls

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 10:14:00 +0100

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.

News and updates with Eleanor

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 17:08:00 +0100

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 for home educators with Ana Martin

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 14:59:00 +0100

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

The use of Artificial Intelligence in Education with Michael Olagunju

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 08:39:00 +0100

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 - Following your passions as a home educated teen with Liam

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 09:43:00 +0100

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.

When dog behaviourism meets progressive parenting - two worlds collide? With Jo Moorcroft

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 11:26:00 +0100

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!

Preconceptions vs reality of home education

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 12:53:00 +0100

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!

Supporting your anxious child with Dr Naomi Fisher

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 09:54:00 +0100

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.

From teaching to tuition with Andrea Gadsbey

Sun, 28 May 2023 13:54:00 +0100

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.

Choosing your GCSEs with Katherine Sneep

Sun, 21 May 2023 09:46:00 +0100

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.

Charlotte Mason Double Bill - Using the method up to and beyond exams with Diana Edwin

Sun, 14 May 2023 20:13:00 +0100

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.

Charlotte Mason Double Bill - Introducing the Approach with Amanda Goodchild

Sun, 14 May 2023 20:10:00 +0100

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.

EOTAS and EHCPs with Karen Bonthron

Sun, 07 May 2023 13:05:00 +0100

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.

Who needs knowledge anyway?? With Maxwell Roach

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:42:00 +0100

"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!

GCSE alternatives with Deborah Hayward

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 09:44:00 +0100

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.

Call it what you want! Home education styles with Helen Royston

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 08:51:00 +0100

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.

ICT and Computer Science with Holly Billinghurst

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 09:55:00 +0100

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.

Home Education 101 with Juliet English

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 13:09:00 +0100

Today's episode is a whistlestop tour through all the things you need to know about home education. We cover:

deregistering
your rights and responsibilities
report writing
dealing with your local authority
qualifications and college entry
different home ed approaches
deschooling
sitting exams
other people's judgement
how to engage your child in the process

This is an amazing episode full of information and advice to arm you on your home education journey.

Want to home educate but worried about taking the plunge? Your questions answered.

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 09:48:00 +0100

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.

Juggling work and home educating - a group discussion with home educators who also run their own business

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 10:42:00 +0100

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.

Screen use with Dr Naomi Fisher - the good, the bad and the ugly

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 15:13:00 +0100

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.

US qualifications in the UK - Part 2 - The AP vs A level debate

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 09:13:00 +0100

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.

US qualifications in the UK - Part 1 - The High School Diploma vs GCSEs

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 09:07:00 +0100

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

School recovery advice with Karen Bonthron

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 10:07:00 +0100

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.

An Exam Hacks Guide - with Chetana Greenwood

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0100

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.

It’s Times Tables Tastic! or making maths fun with Jemma Zoe Smith

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0100

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.

Unschooling - with Heidi Steel

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0100

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.

Psychology and Sociology for home educators

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0100

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 with Sarah Beale

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0100

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.

Home Educators diving into the New Year together

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0100

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.

A Day in the Life with Rosa - from school struggles to home ed flourishing!

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

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!

A Day in the Life with long time home educator, Amanda

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

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.

A Day in the Life with exam focused teen, Kerenza

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

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.

A Day in the Life with Greg - home educating in Covid and beyond

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

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.

A Day in the Life of a structured home educator, Miriam

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

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.

A Day in the Life of home educated A level student Xavier

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

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!

A Day in the Life with Beckie - home educated to home educator!

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

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.

A Day in the Life with home educating dad, Wesley

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

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!

MFL for home educators with Nat London

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Join Nat and I discussing the top tips and advice for approaching Modern Foreign Languages as a home educating / home schooling family.

We look at:

revision sites
building fluency
exam changes
advice for tackling the speaking and listening sections of the GCSE
and lots more!

Home Educating through the holidays

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Join Diane and I as we discuss home educating through the holidays, having a rhythm to your days and whether Christmas is a time to hide in a cave or embrace the natural order of having your favourite playgrounds engulfed by holidaying children. We'll let you decide!

The Home Education Exams episode! All your questions answered with Iram Malik

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Join us talking to Iram Malik about all things exam related when you home educate / homeschool your child.

Whether it's:

choosing your exam centre
IGCSEs vs GCSEs
exam boards
specifications
and much more ...

Wondering where to start? We've got you covered in this bumper episode :)

Family or friends disagree with your decision to Home Educate?

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0100

It's not always easy to make a decision that goes against the norm. But don't worry, we've got your backs!

Today Diane and I chat about what to do when your friends or even your family think you're mad to be home educating your child. How to deal with these disagreements, when and how to engage and what it really says about everyone involved.

History for Home Educators Deep Dive with Lynn Harkin

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Join me and Lynn as we discuss all the amazing ways you can support your home ed child in their love of history. We chat about retaining a love of the subject whilst effectively prepping for History GCSE and IGCSE.

Comparing the different exam boards, discussing exam techniques and tips for revision - everything you ever wanted to know about History for Home Educators!

Just starting out in Home Education? Covering the early days with Helen Royston

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Join us chatting to Helen Royston, a home educator with 30+ years of experience, guiding you through those early days in home education / home schooling in the UK. If you've questions about home education, they'll be answered in this podcast (promise!).

Welcome to the Home Education Matters podcast!

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0100

Join us as we discuss our journeys so far in home education, how we collapsed into it and how we are making it work for us! We'll also be telling you what episodes we have coming up on Home Education Matters in the next few weeks.