Expert issues homeschooling advice to Harrogate families

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After Boris Johnson announced last week that schools would close their doors indefinitely, except for children of key workers, the reality is now hitting many parents who are staying at home with their children - particularly as many are also having to work from home.

Lee Wilcock, Principal of Wolsey Hall Oxford, the Homeschooling College, has issued some advice to those now facing the prospect of homeschooling their children for the forseeable future.

He said: "Home education is a partnership between the child, the parent and the school. The best outcomes happen when a parent is able to support their child."

“Creating a daily and weekly timetable of study is essential to providing the structure that children need. Without between lesson distractions, children may complete work at home more quickly than at school.

"This will allow for more regular breaks as they become used to working at home. But they do need to keep to the regular timetable that you have agreed with them. This will ensure they keep on top of their work.”

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Mr Wilcock recommends having a discussion with the child to agree their working hours, as some children will benefit from a personalised structure rather than school hours.

He is also suggesting parents give their children continuous encouragement as these are unsettling times and may take a while to adjust to.

He added: "If your child gets stuck on a topic, see if you can offer practical solutions, such as finding a website with further information.

"Encourage your child to email their teachers if they need help that you can’t provide.

"Review your child’s progress daily. Make sure they are sticking to their timetable, are not cutting corners and are producing work to the standard of which they are capable.

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"Your child may complete their work more quickly while schooling at home. So reward them with time off to do an activity they enjoy such as kicking a football in the garden or watching a favourite TV programme."