Colour it green

where can I find out more?

The best bet is to find other people in your area who are already home educating their kids, and ask them for information. A lot of people always knew they were going to do it, whereas others who changed from school have discovered so much, and all are usually willing to share to another parent. There are likely to be social groups in your area, ask around, ask at the library.

Some local authorities (LA) are against home educators, it would seem, whereas others are helpful. Check out their webpage for information (but compare it to other sources too!). some people prefer to have no contact with the LA, particularly if they are not know to them, but if you do, and you find your visitor to be a nice person, then make use of them - sometimes they will put you in touch with other home educators, or give you some tips. It's not their job, but if they are decent people, then they will want to help, and if they are not.. then you probably won't be asking for their opinion!!

here are two books I recommend:

Each chapter is an account of how it works for one family. Each have different approaches, all have successful and rewarding experiences. It was a great comfort to me to read of others going through this, it opened my mind and made me rethink the whole education system, and think on how home education could be.

This book, like 'Free Range Education' gives personal accounts of people home educating their children, but this time children with special needs. As the title indicates, it concentrates on those with ASD - but even though my son is only mildy autistic, and has other disabilities including learning difficulties and a muscle disorder, much of the content still applied to us - we still deal with statements, 'special educational needs' etc, and again was a great comfort, before embarking on our journey.

click on any of the pictures for a link to amazon.co.uk

and here are some good links:

education otherwise. This is the UK's biggest home ed organisation. It's well worth joining, even if only for a while, and they will supply you with handbooks, latest information on legalities etc. Their website has lots of very useful information, and you will gain access to forums etc with your membership.

HE special for those with kids with special educational needs. Great website, really useful forum, and some month long blogs of people doing HE , and how.

education otherwise yahoo group run by EO people, but you don't have to be a member to join. do expect alot of emails though - but it's a great place to ask questions, and just pick up ideas and information

It's worth remembering that not all home educators will have the same ideas and values as you, so look around and find a group that suits you and your children