Home Education in Northern Ireland: What You Really Need to Know
Home education, also known as elective home education (EHE), has become an increasingly prominent alternative to traditional schooling in Northern Ireland. Recent years have seen a significant rise in the number of families choosing to educate their children at home, reflecting a growing interest in flexibility, personalised learning and well-being. However, with that growth comes…
Read MoreHome Ed: November’s Learning Toolkit
November is a wonderful month for home educators to explore meaningful themes, history and acts of kindness through hands-on learning. As the weather turns cooler, families can enjoy creative indoor activities while reflecting on values such as remembrance, gratitude, and community spirit. This guide highlights key special days and events throughout November — from Guy…
Read MoreThe School Uniform Law: A Step Forward but Still Not Good Enough
A recent BBC article (BBC News, 2025) describes a newly passed law intended to curb the spiralling cost of school uniforms for parents. The law requires schools to explain the rationale behind uniform pricing and opens the possibility of imposing a cap on costs. While these steps are commendable they are far from sufficient. Without…
Read MoreThe Rise of Home Education in the UK
Home education, also known as elective home education (EHE), has experienced significant growth in the United Kingdom in recent years. This trend reflects a broader shift in educational preferences, with an increasing number of families opting to educate their children outside the traditional school system. Recent data indicates a substantial increase in the number of…
Read MoreSupporting Your Child’s Learning Without Completing the Work for Them
Parents play a pivotal role in their child’s educational journey. Striking the correct balance between providing support and fostering independence is essential. Excessive intervention may create dependence and diminish self-confidence while insufficient support may leave the child feeling discouraged or disengaged. The most effective approach is to guide children in ways that enable them to…
Read MoreChoosing the Right SEAG Test Papers: What Parents Need to Know
Preparing for the SEAG (Selective Entrance Assessment Group) test is a significant undertaking for both pupils and parents in Northern Ireland. While schools provide guidance, families often invest in additional practice papers to give their child confidence and familiarity with the format. However not all test papers are of equal quality and parents should be…
Read MoreHow Much Tutoring Is Too Much? Finding the Right Balance for Your Child
When your child begins receiving tuition it’s natural to wonder how much is enough — or too much. While extra academic support can help close gaps and build confidence too many sessions can lead to stress and burnout. Finding the right balance is essential not just for academic progress but for your child’s wellbeing. Research…
Read MoreReforming the Northern Ireland Curriculum: Why Now Is the Right Time
The recently published Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum (Crehan, 2025) has sparked timely conversations across the education sector. Led by Lucy Crehan, the review concluded that Northern Ireland’s curriculum, first introduced in 2007, no longer meets the needs of a changing society. It calls for a rebalancing of knowledge and skills, better structure…
Read MoreThe Importance of World Book Day: Celebrating the Power of Reading
World Book Day is an annual event that celebrates the joy of reading and the transformative power of books. It aims to ensure that every child has access to literature and to foster a lifelong love of reading. In the United Kingdom, World Book Day is observed on the first Thursday in March and provides…
Read MoreHow to Make Homework Time Stress-Free and Productive
Homework is a fundamental component of a child’s education, reinforcing classroom learning and fostering independent study skills (Cooper, Robinson & Patall, 2006). However, it can often be a source of stress for both children and parents. Implementing effective strategies can transform homework into a structured and productive experience. The following evidence-based approaches can help create…
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