A Parents' and Carers' Guide to Home Education and Flexi-schooling

Introduction

For many families, the traditional classroom isn’t always the best fit. Some children thrive in smaller settings, need additional support due to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), or simply learn better at their own pace.

Home education and flexi-schooling are becoming increasingly popular options across the UK. Councils reported nearly 50,000 requests in the last academic year from families looking to take their children out of school (this is in addition to those already home educating). Mental health is deemed the biggest reason for this rise.

This guide explores why families choose these paths, how to navigate the legal process, the benefits of home education and hybrid models, and how Sherpa can support families in creating flexible, high‑quality learning environments.

Why Parents Choose Home Education or Flexi-Schooling

Families choose home education for a variety of reasons, such as:

• SEND support — when needs (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, sensory processing differences) aren’t fully met in school.
• Health and emotional well‑being — children experiencing anxiety, EBSNA - emotionally based school non-attendance or medical challenges may be safer at home.
• Flexibility — focus on subjects, pacing, and methods that work best for the child.
• Academic focus — targeted tuition to fill learning gaps and build confidence.
• Family values or lifestyle — aligning learning with family priorities or travel.
• Exclusion from mainstream school

Learn more about support for children struggling with attendance or anxiety (YoungMinds).

Benefits of Home Education and Flexi-Schooling

Both home education and flexi learning provide significant benefits, including:

• Personalised learning tailored to strengths, pace, and interests.
• Reduced stress by removing the pressures of a busy classroom.
• More family connection and time for creative or therapeutic activities.
• Flexibility to integrate therapies, sports, or hobbies into the week.
• Access to qualified online tutors for academic and confidence support.

Flexi-schooling offers the balance of social engagement at school with one‑to‑one specialist tuition at home — ideal for many students with SEND or anxiety.

The Legal Framework for Home Education in the UK

Home education is legal across the UK, and parents do not need to be qualified teachers. If your child attends a mainstream school, you must formally deregister in writing to the headteacher; the school will notify your Local Authority (LA). If your child is on roll at a special school, LA consent is required to deregister (refusal is rare unless there are safeguarding concerns).

• Official guidance (GOV.UK).

Understanding SEND and Available Support

SEND refers to needs that affect learning, behaviour, or development.

These may include:

• Cognitive and learning — dyslexia, dyscalculia, general learning delay.
• Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) — anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges.
• Communication and interaction — autism spectrum condition, speech or language needs.
• Sensory and physical — visual/hearing impairments, mobility or medical needs.

Here are some useful resources to review:

• Extra SEND help (GOV.UK).
• KIDS Charity (SEND resources)
• Find your local IAS service (Council for Disabled Children).

What Does Home Education Look Like?

There is no single approach — families can choose what works best:

• Parent‑led learning with tuition support — parents design a curriculum which is delivered with the support of a tutor
• Tutor‑supported learning — qualified tutors teach core subjects (English, Maths, Science).
• Online programmes — structured virtual classes with assessments.
• Hybrid models — reduced school attendance alongside professional tutoring.

This flexibility allows you to tailor an approach that supports progress and confidence.

Flexi-Schooling — A Balanced Approach

Flexi-schooling bridges traditional schooling and home education, offering a flexible balance that supports both academic and emotional needs.

• Combine structured school time with personalised tutoring for key subjects.
• Provide continuity during health challenges or transition periods.
• Design flexible timetables jointly with schools, parents and tutors.

How to Access Advice and Support

If you’re exploring home education or flexi-schooling, start with trusted sources:

• Home education guidance (GOV.UK).
• Find your local IAS service (CDC).
• SENDIASS — impartial local advice and support services via your Local Offer.
• KIDS Charity — practical guidance for families.
• IPSEA - leading charity in SEND Law.

How Sherpa Can Help

At Sherpa, we understand that every learner is unique.

Our qualified UK teachers and experienced tutors provide one‑to‑one online tuition designed to build confidence and support academic growth.

• Liaise directly with schools and Local Authorities (LAs) to coordinate EHCP or hybrid support.
• Manage funding collaboratively with LAs or parents as partners.
• Source tutors with specialist SEND and home education expertise.
• Design bespoke learning plans aligned to each child’s needs and goals.
• Record lessons and save notes so parents can monitor progress anytime.