Flexischooling
When my daughter started Year 1, we were full of hope and excitement for her new chapter. She was eager to learn, bright-eyed, and ready to take on the world. But as the weeks passed, I began to notice subtle changes. The joy faded. Mornings became battles, and school—a place that once held so much promise—started to feel overwhelming for her.
She began experiencing emotional-based school avoidance, and it broke my heart. Each day became formal and rigid, leaving little room for the autonomy and play she thrived on. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to learn—far from it. She loves learning when it feels meaningful, creative, and fun. But the structure of the traditional school day didn’t meet her needs. I knew we had to find another way.
That’s when we discovered flexischooling.
What is Flexischooling?
Flexischooling is an arrangement where children split their education between school and home. It’s a legal and viable option in England, contrary to what some people believe. It allows children to receive a full-time education, but not all of it happens at school. For us, this meant working with the school to create a balance that worked for my daughter—where she could benefit from the social and educational opportunities of school while also learning at home in a way that met her needs.
Our Journey with Flexischooling
Shifting to flexischooling wasn’t an easy decision. The change in routine was tricky at first, especially for my daughter. She needed time to adjust to the new rhythm, and I had to learn how to balance her school-based and home-based education.
At school, she now has access to the social environment she enjoys, and at home, we focus on her love of learning through play. We’ve explored topics in a hands-on way—whether it’s baking to learn math or taking walks to observe nature. She’s smiling again. She’s thriving again. And that spark that had dimmed? It’s shining brighter than ever.
The Legal Side of Flexischooling
One thing that reassured me was learning that flexischooling is fully legal in England. Schools can agree to a parent’s request for flexischooling, provided the child receives a full-time education overall. It’s a private arrangement between parents and the school, and the non-school-based part doesn’t have to follow the national curriculum unless agreed upon.
Even better, flexischooling can work for children with additional needs, whether they have an EHC plan or not. For my daughter, whose emotional well-being needed prioritising, this flexibility has been a game-changer.
Why Flexischooling Might Be Right for Your Family
Flexischooling isn’t just about academics—it’s about meeting children where they are and giving them what they need to thrive. It worked for us because:
It allowed us to address my daughter’s anxiety and school avoidance in a compassionate way.
She still gets the benefits of school—social interaction, structured lessons—but without the overwhelm of full-time attendance.
At home, we can customize her learning to align with her strengths, interests, and energy levels.
If your child is struggling with traditional schooling, has additional needs, or simply needs a more tailored approach, flexischooling might be worth considering. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for families like ours, it can feel like a lifeline.
Moving Forward
Flexischooling isn’t always easy. It requires open communication with your child’s school and a willingness to adapt. But for us, the rewards have far outweighed the challenges. My daughter has found joy in learning again, and as her parent, that’s all I could ever hope for.
If you’re curious about flexischooling or feeling unsure about how to start the conversation with your school, I’d be happy to share more about our experience. Remember, education doesn’t have to fit in one box. Sometimes, stepping outside the box is where you find the magic.
