The number of children being home-schooled in Nottinghamshire has seen a significant increase, prompting local educators to develop innovative learning programmes tailored to the needs of these young learners. As of the latest figures, 2,178 children in the region are receiving their education at home, a rise of over 18% from the previous year. This trend has led to the establishment of social learning sessions aimed at helping children navigate their educational journey outside the traditional classroom.
The Rise of Home Education in Nottinghamshire
Former primary school assistant head teacher Deb Hadden, who has been instrumental in addressing the needs of home-schooled children, has noted a growing demand for social and emotional support that many schools struggle to provide. “The world can be quite a scary place, and unless children are prepared, it can evoke a lot of anxiety and fear,” Hadden stated. In response to these challenges, she founded the Ethereal Learning Foundation in January 2021, initially focusing on mental health workshops within schools.
In April 2024, Hadden opened a dedicated learning centre in Mapperley, later relocating to St Mary’s Church Family Centre in Arnold. The sessions she runs offer a space for home-schooled children aged four to twelve to engage in play-based and project-oriented learning. Participation in these sessions has surged from just three children to 55, reflecting the increasing number of families opting for home education.
Understanding Home Education Policies
Parents in the UK have a legal obligation to ensure their children receive a full-time education from the age of five. However, those choosing to home-school are not required to adhere to the national curriculum, nor are they mandated to provide formal assessments of their children’s progress. Government guidelines stipulate that home education must be age-appropriate and encourage developmental progress tailored to each child’s abilities.
Hadden’s approach emphasises creativity and exploration, allowing children to direct their learning while covering essential skills in maths and writing through informal methods. She asserts that the focus of her sessions is not merely academic; rather, it encompasses vital social and emotional development.
The Perspectives of Home-Schooling Families
Sara, a parent who home-educates her eight-year-old daughter Ellie, shared her experience of transitioning to home schooling after finding that the conventional school environment did not suit her child. “It became really obvious that the school environment wasn’t right for Ellie,” Sara explained. The family has since engaged in various activities, including visits to historical sites and participation in sports, which contribute to Ellie’s education outside of traditional academics.
According to Nottinghamshire County Council data, the rise in home-schooled children reflects a broader trend across the country, with national figures growing from 111,700 in autumn 2024 to 126,000 in autumn 2025. Councillor Hana John, Nottinghamshire’s cabinet member for education, acknowledged the diversity of reasons driving this shift, including mental health concerns and personal philosophies about education.
Challenges and Concerns in Home Education
While many parents find success in home education, experts caution that it can be overwhelming without adequate support systems in place. Pepe Di’lasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, expressed concern about the potential isolation of home-schooled children. “Some schools provide access to mental health resources and training for staff, which could be lacking in a home-setting,” he noted.
Ofsted representatives have voiced similar sentiments, highlighting the need for local authorities to monitor home education adequately. The forthcoming Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to enhance oversight, requiring local authorities to evaluate the home environment of children registered for home education within 15 days of their registration.
Why it Matters
The increasing trend of home schooling raises vital questions about educational equity and the adequacy of support systems for families making this choice. As more parents seek alternatives to traditional schooling, it is essential for local authorities to ensure that home-schooled children receive not only a robust educational foundation but also the social interactions necessary for their overall development. This situation underscores the need for a comprehensive approach, balancing parental rights with the obligation to safeguard children’s welfare and educational outcomes.
