As education evolves to meet the diverse needs of modern families, more parents are exploring alternative approaches that offer greater flexibility and personalisation. One such option is flexi schooling. But what exactly does this term mean, and how does it work in practice?
Understanding Flexi Schooling
Flexi school, also known as flexible schooling, is an arrangement where a child is registered at a mainstream school but only attends part-time. The remaining time is spent being educated at home, often through home education or tailored learning experiences arranged by parents.
This hybrid model is different from full-time home education (also known as homeschooling), where a child is completely withdrawn from the school system. With flexi schooling, the child remains on the school roll and continues to access the benefits of school life—such as social interaction, extracurricular activities, and specialist teaching—while also benefiting from a more individualised approach to learning at home.
How Does Flexi Schooling Work?
Flexi schooling arrangements vary widely depending on the school, the family, and the needs of the child. Typically, parents and schools agree on a set number of days or hours the child will attend school each week, and what the home education provision will include on the other days.
For example, a child might attend school three days a week and be home-educated for the remaining two. During home days, parents might follow a structured curriculum, explore project-based learning, or take a more creative or experiential approach, depending on the child’s interests and learning style.
It’s important to note that flexi schooling is not an automatic right. Parents must apply for permission, and the headteacher has the final say on whether to allow it. They’ll consider the child’s academic progress, the school’s capacity to support a flexible arrangement, and how the home learning complements school provision.
Why Choose Flexi Schooling?
Families may choose flexi schooling for a variety of reasons:
- A better work-life balance: It can suit families where parents work unconventional hours or travel frequently.
- Meeting individual needs: Some children thrive with a slower pace, fewer distractions, or more time for passions like sport, music, or coding.
- Supporting wellbeing: For children with anxiety or other mental health concerns, a mix of home and school can ease stress.
- Enhancing learning: Parents may want to offer additional topics not covered in the school curriculum or tailor learning to their child’s interests.
Things to Consider
While flexi schooling offers many benefits, it also comes with responsibilities. Parents need to ensure that home learning is consistent, well-planned, and educational. Communication with the school is key, and there should be regular reviews to make sure the arrangement continues to work well for the child.
Additionally, not all schools are open to flexi schooling, and the local authority may also play a role in reviewing the child’s progress, especially in relation to attendance and safeguarding.
Flexi schooling is an increasingly popular option for families seeking a more personalised, balanced approach to education. While it requires careful planning and collaboration with the school, it can offer the best of both worlds—structured learning alongside the freedom to explore interests and learn at a child’s own pace.
