Home Education vs Homeschooling
Why Terminology Matters to Home Educators
When it comes to educating children outside the traditional school system, terminology matters more than you might think. In the UK, the preferred term is ‘home education’, which reflects the practice of parents or caregivers taking full responsibility for their child’s learning, tailoring it to suit individual interests and needs.
In contrast, the term ‘homeschooling’ is commonly used in the USA. Interestingly, UK local education authorities (LEAs) sometimes use the term too, but with a different meaning: they use it to describe children who are still officially registered at school but are not physically attending.
For many of us, the term ‘homeschooling’ feels reductive—it implies recreating school at home. But school and education are not the same thing. Home education is a dynamic, child-led approach that adapts to meet individual needs. It goes beyond sitting at a desk and following a set curriculum. It’s about nurturing creativity, fostering respect for others and the environment, supporting mental well-being, and equipping our children with essential life skills.
Words Have Power
The language we use shapes public perceptions and influences political decisions. As home educators, our choice of words is critical in defining our narrative. Past battles with local authorities, MPs, and the Department for Education (DfE) have taught us the importance of unity in terminology to protect our rights and represent our community accurately.
Reducing Confusion with Consistent Terminology
Local authorities often misunderstand what home education involves, and the term ‘homeschooling’ can add to the confusion. It might conjure images of a traditional school-at-home model, which is rarely the reality for home educators. This misunderstanding can lead to unnecessary complications. Using the term ‘home education’ helps clarify that our approach is distinct from school and tailored to each child.
Moreover, consistently using ‘home education’ can help parents move away from a school mindset, reinforcing the idea that learning happens in many ways and settings beyond the classroom.
Shaping Public Perception
The media often portrays home education unfairly, with negative stories disproportionately using the term ‘homeschooling’. These narratives frequently focus on concerns like socialisation or academic standards, missing the essence of child-led, personalised learning. In contrast, positive stories about our community tend to use ‘home education’, reflecting its diversity and value.
By adopting consistent terminology, we can shape a more accurate and empowering public understanding of home education. It’s about creating a narrative that celebrates the enriching and individualised experiences we offer our children.
