Unschooling FAQs

Curious about how unschooling works? Wondering what makes this approach different from traditional education? You’re in the right place.

I know stepping into unschooling can feel like a big leap even if you’re already homeschooling, so I’ve gathered answers to the most common questions families ask me in one place. Whether you’re exploring unschooling for the first time or are already on this path and looking for inspiration and support, I am here to help.

Grab a cuppa, put your feet up (if you can) and browse through to find thoughtful insights, practical tips, and reassurance that every family’s journey is unique. Unschooling is about learning together, growing together, and trusting the process. Are you ready?

Let’s explore your questions

What is unschooling?

Unschooling is living and learning without school. It is directing what and when and how you learn yourself. It is freedom to learn at your own pace without peer comparison. Unschooling is challenging what we think we know about learning and allowing our children’s natural abilities and interests unfold.

Is unschooling legal?

As the parent, you have legal responsibility for the education of your children. It is legal for parents to home educate their children in the U.K and for them to decide what that education looks like.

Quote Section 7 of the Education Act 1996

How do you deregister?

If your child currently attends school, then you will need to deregister them. In England and Wales, you must send a deregistration letter to your child’s school.

You can then remove your child immediately.

You do not need permission to home educate your children if they attend mainstream school.

If your child has never had a place at a school, then you do not need to notify anyone.

Please always check local information and law, specific to your country of residence.

What do I do when the LA get in contact?

You can tell them that:

You are happy with your decision to Home Educate

You are aware of your duty under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996

You would like to keep correspondence with the team in writing.

You can provide your LA with a written response on the education being provided

You have read the EHE Guidelines for Local Authorities

You have read the EHE Guidelines for Parents

You do NOT have to:

1. Let them into your house. You can decide how to communicate, and it doesn’t have to be in person or in your home.
2. Complete their forms. They are often based on school type learning and do not reflect the full range of Home Educating options.
3. Be subject to constant monitoring. LA’s may make informal enquiries, and it is advisable to respond to them but it is suggested that annual contact is sufficient.

Is unschooling expensive?
Unschooling is about how you approach life and learning. It is possible to unschool on a budget because maintaining curiosity and supporting your child’s interests can be done within your personal financial means.
How do they socialise?
Children who are home educated socialise with their peers through groups, events, and forming friendships with other families.

They also have meaningful cross-generational interactions with members of their community through everyday encounters and common interests.

Can they still take GCSE’s?

If and when children need to take exams, they can study for these by joining home educating study groups, using online programmes, study guides, or personal tutors.

Exams can be taken too via IGCSEs, as private candidates, or enrolling in a local college. They can be taken at any age, or not at all!

How will I manage having the children with me all the time?
Your self care is important too. It can be a big change having your children with you all the time but finding ways small or big to meet your needs too is important. Homing in on the things that make a difference for you, recognising what practices have a positive impact on your mental health and well-being and incorporating those into your day-to-day life will make all the difference.
What if they don’t want to do anything?
It is very difficult to do nothing! It is true that your child may go through a period of adjustment and need time to recover from school. They are always learning though. Learning how to listen to their own bodies, learning to honour their needs, learning and practicing skills. They are learning even when we can’t see what they are learning, and they can’t vocalise it. Learning is everywhere.
Can I still unschool if my child has additional needs?
Unschooling is a great way to educate your child as you are now able to truly meet their needs. This creates an environment in which your child can learn with ease because it is tailored to them. No more worrying about whether they have reached the next target or are behind. They are right where they are supposed to be and competent in a great many things that now have value and meaning to them.
How do you make it work with children that are different ages?
With flexibility. And care. Lots of trial and error and discussions that involve everyone. It’s busy and chaotic and can take a lot of planning and putting things in place so that it can work. Unschooling is as much about learning to live as a family and as a community as it is about following your own interests. Everyone is part of the discussions, and everyone is part of the solutions. If something isn’t working, you are in control and can change it.

Services

Inspiration, ideas, support and community. Find out how I can help you and your family wherever you are in your unschooling journey.

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Resources

After years of supporting unschoolers, I have built a comprehensive resource library and it’s absolutely free.

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FAQ's

Simple answers to the quetions that are keeping you up at night. Feed your own curiosity and also have the good replies for anyone questionning your choices.