The number of children being homeschooled in Swansea has seen a significant increase since the Covid-19 pandemic, with various factors influencing this choice. In spring this year, 388 children were known to be receiving education at home, compared to 259 three years prior. The figures peaked at 401 during the summer of 2023. Reasons for parents opting for homeschooling include school-related anxiety, refusal to attend school, dissatisfaction with the school meeting their child’s needs, and concerns about the relationships and sexuality education in the curriculum.
According to Helen Howells from the council’s education department, this rise in homeschooled children is not unique to Swansea but is reflective of a trend across all 22 local authorities in Wales, with a total of nearly 6,000 children being educated at home earlier this year. While education is compulsory, attendance at school is not always mandatory. Parents who choose elective home education have the responsibility to provide a “sufficient and suitable” full-time education, which can have financial implications for them.
To monitor the quality of education received by homeschooled children, education officers conduct initial, three-month, and annual visits to assess the adequacy of the education provided. This includes meeting the needs of children with additional learning requirements, who must have an independent development plan. The council has taken steps to increase in-house resources to meet this need and has organized events and drop-in sessions for homeschooled children to enhance their social interactions.
Cllr Lyndon Jones, the panel convenor, highlighted the holistic benefits of attending school, emphasizing that school is not just about academic results but also about social interactions and personal growth. He expressed concerns that homeschooled children might miss out on essential experiences of mixing with others, which could impact their confidence and social skills in the future. However, Ms Howells noted that there are various community groups and events tailored to homeschooled children to facilitate social connections outside of traditional schooling environments.
The scrutiny panel also discussed the differences between elective home education and the home tuition services provided to pupils remaining on school rolls. Ms Howells explained that during the initial home visit, reasons for choosing homeschooling are thoroughly explored, potentially leading to discussions with schools and, in some cases, the return of the child to the school setting. Despite the benefits and flexibility of homeschooling, Ms Howells reiterated that schools provide a safe and conducive learning environment for children and play a vital role in their educational and social development.
The issue of tracking exam results for homeschooled children was raised during the panel discussion, with Ms Howells confirming that such data is not systematically monitored. Addressing concerns about social interactions, she emphasized the importance of mixing with others but pointed out that many homeschooling groups and events are available to facilitate social connections outside traditional school settings. Moreover, Ms Howells stressed the significance of maintaining relationships between homeschooled children, the local authority, and the wider community to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
In conclusion, the rise in homeschooling in Swansea reflects a broader trend across Wales, with parents opting for this alternative education for various reasons. While homeschooling provides flexibility and personalized learning experiences, concerns about social interactions and the holistic benefits of traditional schooling have also been raised. The council is working to ensure that homeschooled children receive adequate education and support, including additional resources for those with special learning needs. Moving forward, fostering strong relationships between homeschooled children, educational authorities, and the community will be crucial in providing a balanced educational experience for all children.