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Beginner Homeschooling: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
- Fayrouz Soliman
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
WANT TO BECOME A HOME-SCHOOLED FAMILY?
Are you wondering if homeschooling is right for your child? If you're at the stage of exploring your options for homeschooling, this beginner-friendly guide about beginner homeschooling will help you understand what homeschooling is, how it works, and how to homeschool for beginners, step by step.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to homeschool your child, but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. Many parents start with questions, hesitations, or simple curiosity. This guide is designed to provide clear, practical answers and beginner homeschooling tips, helping you explore the world of homeschooling with confidence and clarity.
What Is Homeschooling and Why Do Families Choose It?
Homeschooling is when parents take charge of their child’s education, often outside of traditional school systems. The reasons people choose homeschooling include:
Dissatisfaction with traditional schools
A need for flexible schedules
Desire for personalized learning
Special academic or emotional needs
Alignment with family values or beliefs
Before anything else, understand your “need.” Knowing your motivation will shape the kind of homeschool experience you want.
Know More about Is Homeschooling Better Than Traditional Schooling for Your Lifestyle
Is Homeschooling Legal in the UK?
Yes, homeschooling is completely legal in the UK—but there are important steps to follow. UK law allows parents to educate their children at home, either full-time or part-time. You are not required to follow the national curriculum, but the education you provide must be suitable for your child’s age, ability, and needs.
Here’s what you need to know:
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you don’t need permission to homeschool—unless your child is already enrolled in school. In that case, you must notify the school in writing and request that their name be removed from the register.
In Scotland, parents always need formal consent from the local council to withdraw a child from school for home education.
Local authorities may contact you to check on the suitability of your education provision, but there is no legal requirement to follow their curriculum or use formal testing.
Tip:
Always start by checking your local council’s website for up-to-date guidance on home education. It may include downloadable forms, policy information, and contact details for their Elective Home Education (EHE) team.
Visit our homeschool hub
What Are the Different Homeschooling Methods?
One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to choose your teaching style. Popular approaches include:
Traditional Homeschooling – Follows a structured curriculum like regular schools
Montessori – Child-led, hands-on learning
Charlotte Mason – Based on literature, nature, and life experiences
Unschooling – Guided by the child’s interests, not a set plan
Eclectic – Mix and match based on your child’s needs
Choose the method that fits your family’s lifestyle and your child’s learning style.
How Do You Set Learning Goals as a Beginner Homeschooler?
You don’t need to plan for years. For beginners, it’s best to start with short-term goals. For example:
Finish a basic math or phonics workbook
Improve reading comprehension
Learn time management through daily routines
Homeschooling tips for beginners always emphasize flexibility and realistic expectations. Goals are there to guide, not stress you out.
How Many Hours Should You Homeschool Each Day?
Many parents ask: How much time should I spend homeschooling?
Most homeschooling families spend 2 to 4 hours a day on focused academics. A good schedule may include:
1–2 hours of academic work
30 minutes of reading
1 hour of creative or physical activities
Breaks and free time
Stick to a routine, not a strict clock. A flexible rhythm helps kids learn with less stress.
Know More about How to Socialise Your Homeschooled Child
How Do You establish a Learning Space at Home?
You don’t need a full classroom. But having a dedicated learning space makes a big difference. Include:
A desk or table with good lighting
A bookshelf or storage space
A board or wall space for showcasing work
Tools like a timer, art supplies, or headphones for focus
Make it organized, comfortable, and distraction-free.
What Are the Best Learning Resources for Homeschooling Beginners?
The internet is full of options—so where do you start?
Just visit our homeschool hub
Look for free or low-cost curriculum samples
Try subject-based printables from educational websites
Borrow books from your local library
Explore video lessons or interactive apps
Ask homeschooling groups for trusted recommendations
Focus on core subjects first (math, reading, science), then branch out into interest-based topics.
Why Is a Support Network So Important?
If you’re new to homeschooling, find your tribe. Online forums, Facebook groups, and local co-ops offer:
Curriculum reviews and recommendations
Group activities or field trips
Emotional support and encouragement
Talking to other parents is one of the best ways to learn how to homeschool for beginners with less trial and error.
Final Thoughts: Can You Do This?
Yes. Homeschooling isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present and intentional.
Whether you’re curious or committed, the first step is simple: learn as much as you can. Start slow, try things out, and adjust as you go. You’re allowed to grow with your child.
Ready to Explore More?
Now that you know the fundamentals of beginner homeschooling, you're in a strong position to explore further. There’s no need to rush—homeschooling is a flexible journey, and it’s perfectly okay to learn as you go.
📍 Tip: Join a local or online homeschool group for beginners, and start exploring curriculum options that fit your child’s needs. Many UK families choose trusted academies like Eton Academy, which offers structured, British-aligned programmes designed specifically for homeschoolers.
