17 Aug 2011

What is flexi-schooling?

Flexi-schooling describes an arrangement between the parent and the school, in which the child is registered at the school but attends it part-time. The rest of the time, the child is educated at home.
This can be a long-term arrangement or a short-term measure for a particular reason.
To arrange flexi-schooling, the parent needs to make a proposal to the headteacher. It is the headteacher who decides whether to allow the arrangement.
In coming to a decision, the headteacher would normally consult the school’s senior staff, the governors and the local authority, though this is not mandatory."

http://www.usethekey.org.uk/pupils-and-parents/behaviour-and-attendance/attendance/flexi-schooling

"Many schools are unaware that flexi-schooling is an option. They often don't hear about it unless parents request it, and are then hesitant to agree. One common misconception is that local authorities will disapprove, although they have no power to decide – it is the head teacher's decision. There can be concern that the school's global absence scores will suffer, but if the child is registered as "educated offsite" rather than absent, for home-based sessions, this will not be an issue. Another worry is the absence of flexi-pupils during SATs, although parents normally agree to suspend the part-time arrangement while they are on, letting children sit them. In most cases, though, schools are doubtful simply because the arrangement is unusual and outside most teachers' experience." (ref: The Independant 2010)

9 Aug 2011

Shared Earth Learning Forest School to be based at Vallis Veg

Alex and I are delighted to announce that our Forest School group will be based at Vallis Veg, thanks to Chris and Cordelia's enthusiasm and support for our project!  

5 Aug 2011

Shared Earth Learning Forest School starting September 2011!

Shared Earth Learning is pleased to announce the opening of a Frome-based, weekly Forest School starting, all being well, from mid September 2011.  Led by experienced Forest School leaders, and located within walking distance of the town centre, we hope to accommodate up to 12 children aged between 5 and 14 years old.  We will be charging £25 per day, with each day session likely to be from 9.30am-3pm; (we're provisionally looking at Tuesdays, but this is tbc.)

Nearly all the learning will take place out of doors, but shelter from the elements will be provided.

Please register your interest asap.  Send an email to Alex and Helen at sharedearthlearning@gmail.com with details of your child's name, age etc and we'll get back to you in the next few days with more details of what we'll be offering and how to enrol.